Developing Games Using a Principles-Based Approach

Abstract

The Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model was first developed by Bunker and Thorpe in 1982 as a model for coaches to help players become more skillful players. Since then other versions of the model have been developed such as the tactical decision-learning model (Grehaigne, Godbout, & Bouthier, 2001) in France and the game–sense approach (Australian Sports Commission, 1991) in Australia and New Zealand. The key aspect of all the models is the design of well-structured conditioned and modified games that require players to make decisions to develop their game understanding and tactical awareness. However, both novice and experienced coaches often struggle with connecting theory to practice especially in the area of creating and developing contextualized games that actually transfer learning from training to performance in games. In order to effectively create and use games that transfer learning, coaches can use a Principles-Based approach to develop games. The Principles-Based approach removes the dichotomy of traditional drills versus games and instead combines the drills approach with a games-context approach that links principles to skills that allow for increased individual and team expertise development. This presentation will first describe a model for developing and connecting principles, policies, tactics and skills for team play. Following this the presentation will then describe how to use the principles to create contextualized games that connect practices with performance and progresses novice players toward becoming more competent performers.