‘Game Sense’

RFL Coaching Workshop

1

2

Outcomes

• Coaches will be able to:– explain what Game Sense coaching is,– identify how to facilitate learning through game sense

coaching,– identify how to plan a Game Sense coaching session,

and– design a game that facilitates game sense learning.

3

Is this Game Sense ?

4

What is Game Sense ?

Considering the Previous Considering the Previous Video DiscussVideo Discuss

5

What attributes do top coaches want in their players ?

• The capacity to ‘read the play’, to be able to assess what is happening and make the correct decision

• Select the right option and deliver it• Skills don’t break down under pressure• Consistently make good decisions when there's lots

happening• Good thinkers, know what they are doing• Intrinsically motivated independent thinkers• Physically fit, psychologically astute, gifted in the

skills of the game

6

Drills or Skills Coaching

Focus on the ‘technique’…‘Drill’

Focus on the game…‘Skill’

7

What is ‘Technique’ & what is ‘Skill’• Technique:

– The movement itself (biomechanics)– The doing, not necessarily the thinking

• Skill:– The movement placed in the context of the game– The thinking (applied)

Skilled Performance = Game Sense + TechniqueSkilled Performance = Game Sense + Technique

8

Technique based coaching delivery

Q. Drills – do they teach players how to play the game?

Q. How well does technique transfer to on field skill?

Q. Does ‘technique’ training contain the variables that occur in the game?

9

So What is Game Sense ?

With some of it’s origins are in Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU); a product of research at Loughborough University (1970s) by:

• Rod Thorpe• David Bunker• Len Almond

‘Game Sense’ coaching applies the TGfU principles as a coaching approach/method for learning to take place.

10

What does it look like ?

Watch the following video and identify what you see as principles of ‘game sense’ coaching

What did you see ?What did you see ?

11

Game Sense Principles

Game centred focus – game comes first

Emphasis on player thinking and decision making

Coach as a facilitator, and creator of scenarios and problem situations

12

When can we have a game?When can we have a game?When can we have a game? 13

What do the Coaching Sessions Look Like?

Technique based– Warm-up– Technical drills– Game– Warm-down

Game Centred– Warm-up– GameGame– Questions and challenges– Return to the gameReturn to the game– Further questions and

challenges– Progression of the gameProgression of the game– Repeat the above cycle– Warm-down

14

The Game has Structure!

• Start with a general game (players self-determine)

• Bring players together to debrief and consider the objectives, rules, tactics,

• Play the game,• Debrief to determine how the objectives are/are

not being met, explore what the players are recognising/learning, changes needed,

• Consider the needs of individual players.

15

How do You Implement the Game Centred Approach ?

The Game Needs?• A clear purpose / objective• Cooperation (teamwork)• Scoring system (award points for achieving

objectives)• Variables to ‘challenge’ the achievement of the

objectives, such as:Space, Dimensions, Timing, Movement, Overload, Scoring method (bonus and penalty points)

16

What ‘How ToHow To’ coaching skills are required?

• Planning• Management• Observation• Positioning• Analysis• QuestioningQuestioning• Facilitating feedback

17

How do we facilitate learning?How do we facilitate learning? 18

What else Could You Ask the Players?

Ask tactical questions:

– Time (when will you …….?)

– Space (where is ……..?)

– Risk (which option …….?)

– Strategy (how would you …..?)

StrategySpace RiskTime

Full Sequence

19

Where Does ‘Technique’ Fit in a Game Centred Approach?

Technique development is very much a part of the coaching role, with the when and how being critical factors.

More importantly perhaps is the ‘appropriateness’ to the individual, and how it fits into the game.

Focus on ‘technique’ whilst the game is taking place:• go in and work with individuals, or• take individuals aside

20

Feedback and Debrief

• Organisation• Format• Questions to be asked• Anticipating the points that might be raised by

the players

Watch the video of the game and discuss how you might debrief the group, considering the;

Game Feedback

21

Game Centred Approach

• Skills learned through this form of coaching delivery are more likely to be applied in a game/competition

• Players who do not respond positively to an authoritarian style respond very positively

• Players solve game problems by playing enjoyable games, practising skill in an enjoyable environment

Q. What do you believe are the benefits of this form of coaching ?

22

So ?

• What is Game Sense coaching ?

• How do you facilitate learning through game sense coaching?

• How do you plan a Game Sense coaching session?

and

• Now design a game that facilitates game sense learning.

23

Prepare a game-sense coaching session

Group 1 – that improves players individual defence close to their own line.

Group 2 – that develops your players ability to score with an overlap.

Group 3 – that addresses a quick play the ball.

Group 4 – that improves close support play.

Think about what to say in set up, role of the Think about what to say in set up, role of the players that are observing, questions to askplayers that are observing, questions to ask

24