Game-based Pedagogy in Physical Education and Sports: Designing Rich Learning Environments

Using a pedagogical concept similar to game-based approaches such as Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) and Game Sense, this book explores the teaching and learning of modified games in physical education and sports. It includes examples of innovative games designed to create a rich learning environment.

The book presents a pedagogical model that structures game design to fit the needs of every specific group of students, enabling physical educators and coaches to design their own games and teach within a game-based approach. The book focuses on eight sports – soccer, basketball, handball, rugby, volleyball, badminton, softball and cricket – and for each sport it introduces a series of learning conditions that gradually increase in technical and tactical complexity. These conditions are supported with commonly seen game play scenarios, providing meaningful opportunities for developing awareness of technical and tactical solutions.

Game-Based Pedagogy in Physical Education and Sports is a vital read for students of physical education teacher education (PETE), sport coaching, and sports pedagogy. It is also a valuable resource for physical educators and coaches.

Jeroen Koekoek is Lecturer at the physical education teacher education faculty of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands. His research interests are in the areas of game-based approaches and teacher education related to game pedagogy. Jeroen is chair-elect of the executive board of the Teaching Games for Understanding special interest group (TGfU-SIG). He is involved in several research projects regarding digital technology pedagogy.

Ivo Dokman is Business Lecturer in professional educational development with a focus on group dynamics at different levels in school settings such as students, classes and staff. Ivo worked for more than ten years as lecturer in games teaching and supervisor of student internships at the physical education teacher education faculty of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands.

Wytse Walinga is Lecturer at the physical education teacher education faculty of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands. Wytse is chair of the games teaching staff and is responsible for the game-based curriculum of the faculty. His research focuses on game-based approaches and the development of pedagogical tools. He is involved in several projects regarding the innovation of youth sports.