TGfU

Teaching
Games
for Understanding

The “Teaching Games for Understanding” (TGFU) approach is an instructional model that follows a problem-solving and game-centered approach for teaching sports and games. 

Instead of starting with technical skills, TGFU uses modified or simplified games that capture the essential elements of that particular sport or event. 

These modified games provide opportunities for the students to find solutions for the tactical problems, encouraging them to think critically and make decisions based on game situations.

TGFU Approach

Target Games-Golf, Bowling

Target games are those in which participants propels an object such as a ball with an intention to hit the target with accuracy. In some games there will be obstacles blocking the path of the object to stop them scoring points.

Net/Wall Games-Badminton, Tennis

In these games, players send an object such a ball or shuttlecock into space over a net towards the opposite court or against a wall trying to make it difficult for the opponent to return it. The objective is to force the opponent to make errors.

Striking & fielding Games -Baseball, Cricket

The aim of the game is to strike an object/ball and running in the specified area to score points. The defenders have to retrieve the object/ball and return it to stop the play and prevent the opposite team scoring points.

Invasion Games -Basketball, football

Invasion games involves two or more players chase the opponents to tag them or invade opponent’s territory to score points. It requires anticipation and quick deceptive movements to avoid opponents.

Individual Pursuit - Gymnastics, Athletics

Here, the participants work individually with their own equipment and execute different skills to score points and win the game. Sometimes the activities involve participants interact with others.

The TGFU approach typically follows a specific progression

  • Game Focused

Learning takes place in a game where the educator teaches the students through a modified game where the rules are designed to develop skills as well as tactical understanding.

  • Game Appreciation

By participating in a modified game, learners to develop an appreciation of the rules that shape the game.

  • Tactical Awareness

Through the game students are encouraged to identify attacking and defending strategies, and to implement successful tactical action.

  • Making Decisions

Opportunities are provided to put it all together, apply the skills, exercise decision-making, and employ tactics in game situations.

  • Execution of the skill

Once students have a firm grasp of game ideas and judgement, technical skills are presented and practiced inside the framework of the game. Instead of being separated from the game itself, skills are acquired to improve performance in the game.

  • Performance

Students apply their understanding, tactical awareness, decision-making, and skills in full game situations. or you.