Teaching Games for Understanding

Definition…In the TGfU model, teaching and coaching

occurs within game play where modifications are made to rules, playing

area and equipment in order to develop the understanding of players.

Keep it the same?Primary rules of the game are kept intact - fundamental nature of the

game (how it is played, how to win!)

Change it up!Secondary rules are changed - size

of the ball/object, height of the goal or net, dimensions of the

court/field/playing area can be altered to make the game more fun

and easier to learn

The Why & How?Students are given

opportunities to develop a developmentally

appropriate level through repetition based learningthat maximizes time on

task.

TGfU Model

Student’s will…develop independence of performance

increased motivation and engagement due to student centred approach

students will feel a sense of accomplishment in tactical selection and/or execution of skill

apply transferable skills and tactics/strategies to other activities

Invasion/Territory1. Possession

- must have possession of the object in order to score2. Progression- it is diificult and rare to score from your defensive

zone- once a team has possession, it must move the object

up the playing area in order to score- ways progression can happen – dribbling with hands,

feet or stick, running, passing

3. Scoring- offense and scoring are critical to success- the ability to stop opponents is important but you can’t win scoring fewer points

than your opponents- in most games all players are eligible to score – a few exceptions netball, football

Net/WallRead -Tactical Awareness – player decision making

- the player reads cues in the game situation, makes decisions, and re-locates within the play area

Respond -Cover – off the ball movement, skill selection then skill execution

- the player makes appropriate cover movements in the areas of play, selecting the appropriate skill for the situation

React-Adjust – on the ball skill selection then skill execution

- an object enters the player’s play area, the player makes an adjustment to the objects force, spin and direction, and executes appropriate ‘on the ball skill’

Recover-Base – off the ball movement to set up for the READ phase

- after skill execution, the player makes the appropriate recovery movements to set-up for the next read phase

time to play!