Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport (eng)

Authors Ray Breed and Michael Spittle, long recognized as experts in the game sense model and teaching games for understanding approach, have created a complete resource for physical educators and coaches of games and team sports.

Their new book, Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport, provides both the theoretical foundation and the practical application that teachers and coaches need to confidently teach their students and athletes the skills and game sense they need to successfully compete in games and sports.

This text, inspired by the authors’ previous book, Developing Game Sense Through Tactical Learning, offers new material since the publication of that 2011 book, particularly in relation to curriculum, assessment, and physical literacy. “Our version of a game sense model has been modified over time and adjusted to meet the changing needs and requirements of learners and programs,” Breed says. “This book is an updated and improved variation of our original book, and it will assist teachers and coaches in integrating game sense into their sessions and curricula.”

Through Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport, teachers and coaches will be able to do the following:

• Provide a logical sequence and step-by-step instructions for maximal learning, skill transfer, and game skill development
• Accelerate learning by linking technical, tactical, and strategic similarities in three thematic game categories (There are 19 invasion games, 13 striking and fielding games, and 14 net and wall games.)
• Save preparation and planning time by using the extensive planning and game implementation resources
• Set up games with ease and effectively relate game sense concepts by following the 90 illustrations and diagrams created for those purposes

The text includes curriculum ideas and specific units for children ages 8 to 16. Unit plan chapters provide six sessions for each of the two skill levels (easy to moderate and moderate to difficult). The book also offers assessment tools and guidance for measuring learning as well as links to different curriculum frameworks. The appendixes supply teachers and coaches with useful tools, including score sheets, performance assessment and self-assessment tools, session plan outlines, and more.

Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport takes into account regional differences in the game sense model and teaching games for understanding approach. Its organization will facilitate users’ ready application of the material. The text first provides an overview and theoretical framework of the concepts of skill, skill development, game sense, and assessment. It then goes on to explore the links between fundamental motor skills, game sense, and physical literacy. Later chapters offer thematic unit and lesson plans as well as assessment ideas. Practical resources, game ideas and descriptions, and assessment ideas are supplied, along with the practical application of game sense, teaching for skill transfer, structuring games, developing questioning techniques, and organizing sessions.

Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport will allow coaches and teachers to develop the tactical, technical, and strategic skills their athletes and students need in game contexts. Coaches and teachers will also be able to help learners develop personal, social, and relationship skills. As a result, learners will be able to more effectively participate in, and enjoy, team games.

Ray Breed is a lecturer of exercise and sport science at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn, Australia. He has worked across all developmental levels, including as director of health, sport and physical education at St Leonard’s College and as high-performance manager and coach at North Melbourne Football Club in the AFL. He also provides in-service and professional development for teachers, coaches, and health and fitness professionals through Breed Sport Consulting. As a speaker, writer and presenter, Breed communicates with a wide audience on professional development in physical education, sport coaching, and health and exercise science. Breed, who received both his bachelor of education (in physical education) and his master of applied science from the University of Ballarat, has numerous publications to his credit, including Developing Game Sense Through Tactical Learning. He also has received the Victoria Honour Award and the Award of Distinction from the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) for outstanding contributions to the health and physical education profession.

Michael Spittle, PhD, is an associate professor of motor learning and physical education in the College of Sport and Exercise Science at Victoria University (VU) and a research associate in the Institute for Health and Sport at VU. Michael earned an undergraduate degree, with honours, in physical education and a PhD in motor learning and skill acquisition. He has also completed postgraduate study in psychological studies and education. Michael teaches and researches in the areas of motor learning, skill acquisition, motor development and applied movement science, including in areas such as practice design, player development, performance analysis and sports analytics, performance-enhancing technologies, developing game sense and decision-making training. In addition to being an author of numerous journal articles and conference publications, he has written several textbooks on skill acquisition in physical education and sport. A range of industry partners have leveraged his expertise for contract research, funded research projects and evaluation projects in exercise, sport, physical education and movement contexts.