Movement Skills Development through Playing Games

TGfU (Teaching Games for Understanding ) - The Teaching Games for

Understanding (TGfU) approach developed by Bunker and Thorpe in 1982 places a
new emphasis on the more traditional, technical focused approach to teaching. TGfU
places the student in a game situation whereby skills, tactics, decision-making, and
problem solving are developed in cohesion (Webb, Pearson, & Forrest, 2006).

The Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) Model:

The Teaching Games for Understanding model incorporates 6 key stages which
include: (1) Game-Focus, (2) Game Appreciation, (3) Tactical Awareness, (4)
Decision Making, (5) Skill Execution and (6) Performance (Thorpe & Bunker, 1986).
Thus, when implementing TGfU, the development of any game follows the model
presented in this Figure.

Game
As the model indicates, learning is game-based whereby there is always some form of
opposition. In this stage, the students must first become capable of understanding the
form of the game before they can recognise the problems to be solved.

Game Appreciation
In recognising the purpose of the game, time should be given for students to see what
the game is all about. Gradually, students will develop an understanding of the main
rules that shape the game.

Tactics
Problem solving is a critical approach to teaching games for understanding. Beginners
are introduced to tactics through a gradual introduction of movement principles, based
on simple ideas of space and time (Werner, Thorpe & Bunker, 1996). Hence, Thorpe
& Bunker (1986) recognise that just as skills transfer across games, so will tactical
knowledge.

Decision Making
With increased appreciation of the game and tactical knowledge, students show a
much greater understanding of when and how to perform skills. In addition, they also
develop appreciation of the factors which influence decision making in executing
skills in regards to time, space and positioning.

Performance
This is the observed outcome of the previous processes measured against criteria that
are independent of the learner. Thus, performance is measured based on the
appropriateness of the response and efficiency of the technique.

Game Categories
The TGfU model can be applied to four categories of games, which include (1) Target
Games, (2) Net / Wall Games, (3) Striking/Fielding Games and (4) Territorial and
Invasive games (Webb, Pearson, & Forrest, 2006). All games in each category exhibit
common concepts and tactical problems to be solved, allowing transfer of tactical
understanding across games.

Target Games
Players score when they successfully throw or strike an object closer to a
target than their opponents were able to. Tactical problems related to target
games include shot selection, judging distance, preventing points, and
protecting the shot. Examples of target games include golf, archery, bowling,
dart, and billiards.

Net / Wall Games

Players/teams score by hitting an object into a court space in such a way that
the opposing player/team cannot hit it back within the allowed amount of
bounces. Tactical strategies related to net and wall games include setting up
an attack, creating space on offence, reducing space on defence, etc.
Examples of net and wall games include tennis, volleyball, squash and
badminton.
Striking and Fielding Games
Players on the batting team strike an object and attempt to run between two
points before the fielding team can recuperate the object. The teams
exchange roles after a certain amount of hits or after a certain amount of
players have been retired from the game. Tactical problems related to striking
and fielding games include striking the object to an open space, reducing
space on defence, scoring points and retiring players from the game.
Examples of striking and fielding games include baseball, cricket, softball and
kickball.

Invasion Games
(Territorial / Invasive Games)
Teams score when they move an implement into the opposing team’s zone
and successfully attack that team’s goal or target area. Tactical problems
related to invasion games include maintaining possession, attacking and/or
defending a goal, winning the ball, etc. Examples of invasion games include
soccer, basketball, football, rugby and hockey.
Target Games 
Players score when they successfully throw or strike an object closer to a
target than their opponents were able to. Tactical problems related to target
games include shot selection, judging distance, preventing points, and
protecting the shot. Examples of target games include golf, archery, bowling,
dart, and billiards.
Dodgeball is a team sport and a target game which players on two teams try
to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoiding being hit themselves. The
objective of each team is to eliminate all members of the opposing team by
hitting them with thrown balls, catching a ball thrown by an opponent, or
inducing an opponent to commit a violation, such as stepping outside the
court.

The sport is played informally (in schools and pick-up games) under varying
rules; and formally as an international sport, under rules that vary among
international governing bodies, such as the World Dodgeball Federation
(WDBF) and the World Dodgeball Association (WDA). USA Dodgeball is the
governing entity for dodgeball in the United States, with member leagues and
clubs across the nation. International dodgeball day is April 27.
GAME OBJECTIVE

The objective of dodgeball is to eliminate all players of the opposing team by

throwing one of four game balls and hitting the opposing player below the
shoulders on the fly.

EQUIPMENT

There are many different ball types used around the world, including 8.5-inch
rubber, "no-sting" rubber, foam and cloth. USA Dodgeball uses all ball types
across multiple tournaments held by them and their member organizations.
The World Dodgeball Federation uses primarily foam for their World
Championships with plans to include cloth in the coming years, as those are
the two balls used most widely across the world.

The WDBF specifies the use of 6 balls with six players per side for their World
Championships.Various rule sets governing number of balls and players are
used around the world depending on the court size, level of play, and the
organization's discretion.

The WDA specifies the use of five balls; certain national rule sets, such as in
Austria, specify six.Amateur games typically use from three to ten balls, the
number tailored to the size of the court and the number of players. More balls
generally adds to the amount of action in a game, but can result in stalemate
with many blocks. If there are too few balls, the element of stealth is removed,
as players can see all the balls that might hit them.

LENGTH OF THE GAME

Informal matches of dodgeball are typically played until all players on one side
are out. In WDBF guidelines, matches last a total of 40 minutes. These are
split into two 20-minute halves, during which as many sets as possible are
played. A set lasts until all players on one side are out. One point is awarded
for every set won. Teams switch sides at halftime.

STARTING THE GAME

In informal dodgeball, balls are initially distributed to players by one of the
following methods:
 By even distribution to the two teams.
 By being lined up on the central dividing line.
In this latter option, players then rush toward the center line to grab one of the
balls. This is called the opening rush. It is never legal to immediately throw
such a ball at an opponent; a player grabbing a ball on the center line retreats
or throws it back to a teammate.
In WDBF regulations, the ball must be returned behind an "attack line",
roughly a third of the way from the back of court. Players may only run for the
balls on the right side of the court.

TACTICS

The following basic tactics are useful:

 Thrower location: Move toward the neutral zone to attack; stay on

the back line when not attacking. Do not stand in another player's
line of sight. Do not turn your back to the opponents.
 Coordinated attack: Call out to teammates to coordinate multiple
attacks on the same opponent, preferably from very different angles.
Number the opponents, left-to-right, and call out an attack target by
number.
 Throwing technique: Throw with one hand. Aim below the waist to
avoid getting caught or making a head shot. Throw when the
opponent is distracted. Learn to throw balls so that they curve.

Many local teams and international teams develop their own tactics and
calling systems specific to their style of play. These become more complex in
higher leagues, which often requires specific training for the players in calling
positions such that they can make rapid, tactical decisions.

10 EASY DODGEBALL RULES: IDF

1. The typical Dodgeball court is about the size of a small Volleyball court,
with a centerline and 2 sidelines.
2. Dodgeball is primarily self-refereed, and played with the honour rules.
During league play, there are 4 referees, in which 2 are stationed at the
end of the centerline, that help facilitate the game. Referees start the
game, confirm hits and catches, and count ball possession time.
3. There are 6 balls, split into 2 even groups near the ends of the
centerline. During the opening rush (when the game starts), you may
only grab the balls to your right.
4. You are out if: 1) you step on or over a sideline or centerline; 2) a
thrown live ball hits your body; and 3) you throw a live ball and it is
caught by an opponent.

5. A thrown live ball can only hit out 1 player.  Thrown balls that hit the ground,
the wall, other balls, or other objects before hitting the opponent are
considered dead balls, and are ineligible to hit players out.

6. You may block a thrown ball with a held ball. However, if you drop the
blocking ball during the act of blocking, or if you fail to make a clean block (as
in the thrown ball still ends up hitting or grazing your body afterwards), you are
out. 

7. If you are out, line up on the side in the order you got out (think of it as
being in an “resurrection” line). If your teammate catches a ball, the player at
the start of your team’s “resurrection” line comes back into play after touching
the wall (the teammate must be in the line at the time of the catch to be
eligible to be brought back in).

8. You can only hold a ball for 10 seconds, afterwards, it will be considered
dead. Dead balls need to be rolled over immediately to the other team.

9. If the game comes down to 1 player per side, they have 10 seconds to hit
each other out; if not, "Showdown" comes into effect. The game is paused,
each player gets two balls, two balls are lined up at the ends of the centerline,
and the centerline is dissolved. The first player to get the other player out
wins.

10. Have fun, shake hands, make friends and be spirited!

BASIC MOVEMENT SKILLS
1. Throwing
2. Dodging
3. Catching
4. Coordinated Leg work

FITNESS COMPONENTS CAN BE DEVELOPED

HRF

 Leg and Arm Muscular Strength and Endurance

 Cardio-respiratory Endurance
 Flexibility

SRF

 Arm power
 Agility
 Reaction Time
 Coordination
 Balance
 RELATED GAMES:
HRF

 Leg and Arm Muscular Strength and Endurance

 Cardio-respiratory Endurance
 Flexibility

SRF

 Arm power
 Agility
 Reaction Time
 Coordination
 Balance
The Basic Skills of Dodgeball
During Game competitions, teams are always talking about the players
that have the “greatest hits”, the “best catches”, and the “best dodges”,
and prepare their tactics accordingly. These skills are palpable, visible,
and easily measurable, and are an essential part of Dodgeball.

The Four Fundamental Skills of Dodgeball are:

Throwing a dodgeball is actually a process that you engage in with your
entire body and not just your arm. The way you grip the ball, the way that
you use your body to generate power, and where you aim all have an
important impact on the success of your game.

Having a ball caught is the worst thing that can happen in dodgeball.
Aim at a single target. Players are usually numbered 1–6 from left to
right as you look at them—the player on your team that stands on the far
left calls out the target. Then countdown from 3 in your head before
releasing. Throw together.

Dodging is the name of the game—but this is easier said than done in a
sport where several balls are launched at your face from different angles
at upwards of 60 mph! Spread out, stay back. Under no circumstances
should you stand behind a teammate. If they dodge a ball, you won't see
it coming and will be eliminated.

When blocking, keep your hands behind the ball and try to deflect the
ball away from you by blocking actively (i.e. block by hitting the thrown
ball with your ball)

Rules in Playing Dodgeball

The origins of dodgeball are fairly sketchy but it has been a popular
game for a considerable period of time. The game is a regular part of
physical education classes in schools and the popularity of the sport
reached new levels thanks to the motion picture ‘Dodgeball: A True
Underdog Story’ featuring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller and Christine
Taylor.

Objective of the Game

The main objective in dodgeball is to eliminate all members of the
opposing team by throwing the ball at them. Players must dodge the ball
to remain in the game and the team who manages to eliminate all of
their opponent’s first are deemed the winners.

Players 
There is no fixed amount of players that are needed to have a dodgeball
game, with games varying between small numbers to large players. A lot
will depend on the space available to play the game and the overall pool
of player available. School leagues or regulated games will have a set
number of players, which again will differ from each league.

There is no fixed dimension and area for a dodgeball game with the
game going ahead on the most appropriate surface and venue. Similarly,
there is no universal agreement on the balls that are used in a dodgeball
game. Players operating in a league format would be expected to all play
with the same ball size or type but this can be agreed by each individual
league.

Many consider it to be of benefit to play with an odd number of

dodgeballs so there is always scope for a team to be on the offensive.
The game commences with the opening rush. All the dodgeballs are
lined up in the centre of the court, with both teams rushing from their
base line to the balls. Players have to simultaneously grab and throw a
dodgeball or roll it back to a team-mate. To play dodgeball, the minimum
amount of equipment required is 5 balls and a court to play on. In a
regulation game, uniforms can be worn.

Scoring
While there is no real point scoring in dodgeball, the aim of the game is
to eliminate players of the opposing team, which can be done in a
number of ways. The most obvious way is hitting an opponent with a
ball, if a player is hit and the ball is not caught before becoming dead,
that player is eliminated. However, if a player throws a ball that is caught
by an opponent, the throwing player is eliminated from the game.

Some variations of the game allow for a reinstatement of players if their

team catches the ball. This can ensure the game lasts for a longer time-
period and provides an incentive for catching the ball, as opposed to just
dodging the ball.
A player will eliminate themselves if they run out of the court of play.

Winning the Game

The game is over when all of the players on one team are eliminated,
resulting in the other team winning the game. If both teams still have
members at the end of an allotted amount of time, the winning team will
be the one with most players. If this still results in deadlock, overtime can
be played.
 

Rules of Dodgeball ( Summary)

 The number of players, number of balls, size of court and length of

game can be determined by the organisers.
 Players must remain within the court at all times, unless collecting
dead balls.
 Players are allowed to leave the court to collect balls but they are
not allowed to throw the ball until they are back within the court. If
a player leaves the court for any other purpose or they throw a ball
from outside the court, they are eliminated.

 The rules regarding headshots can be decided upon personal

preference or by order of an official body. Some games will see the
throwing player eliminated if an opponent is stuck on the head,
some games will see the player struck on the head eliminated.
 Players struck with a ball that is then caught before it becomes
dead are eliminated.
 When a player catches a ball, the throwing player will be
eliminated.
Nature and Concept of  Kickball

Kickball (also known as soccer baseball is a game similar to baseball, In

playing baseball, one team tries to score by having its players hit a ball from
home base to the field and then circle the bases, while the other team tries to
stop them by tagging them "out" with the ball before they can return to the
home base. Instead of hitting a small, hard ball with a bat, players kick an
inflated rubber ball; this makes it more accessible to young children. As in
baseball, teams alternate half-innings. The team with the most runs after a
predefined number of innings wins.

Kickball (originally called kick baseball) is a popular playground game and is

typically played among young, school-age children. The lack of both
specialized equipment and highly skill-based positions (like pitcher) makes the
game an accessible introduction to other sports such as baseball and softball.

Who Invented the Game of Kickball?

      Though the exact year is unsure, a man by the name of Nicholas C.
Seuss, who was working as the supervisor at the Cincinnati Park Playgrounds
in Ohio, invented kickball. Experts believe the year to be 1917. This was the
year when Seuss carefully detailed the game in his book The Playground
Book. When it was originally invented, it was known as “kick baseball”. A few
years later, kickball was adopted into the curriculum of education by physical
education teachers nationwide, as an introduction to playing the most
American sport of them all – baseball.

Original Kickball Rules

The rules of kickball were printed in publications such as "Mind and Body," a
physical education journal. The field for kick all was laid out in a similar
fashion to a baseball diamond, with four bases, including a home plate. Two
teams, consisting of 10 or more players, competed alternately in innings. The
fielding team had basemen, a pitcher, catcher and outfielders. The object was
for the other team to kick the ball, then reach as many bases as possible
before being tagged out.

The First Actual Ball

No one is sure who designed the first “kickball” as we know it today. Back in
the early 1900s, kids had access to many different types of balls, and likely
used leather-wrapped balls as in Nicholas Seuss’s day. This is quite different
from the standard red rubber ball that we use today, which has far more
bounce so as not to injure people when speeding through the air.

We know Kickball is over 100 years old, but it’s entirely possible that someone
played a primitive version of kickball centuries before it was first documented
by Seuss. No matter who invented it or when it was first played, it remains an
incredibly popular sport among young adults in Boston and nationwide.

Kick Ball Develops

As the game progressed through the 1920s and 1930s, it adopted more
aspects of baseball. Three strikes per out and three outs per inning, four balls
to walk a kicker and so on were added to the game. The role of players, such
as shortstops, and pitching techniques were better defined. The game also
continued to introduce the sport of baseball to a wider audience, including
young girls.

A Playground Staple

The game continued to be played in schoolyards and playgrounds for the

following decades. Adults sometimes played the game as well. Famed war
correspondent Ernie Pyle reported from North Africa during World War II on
soldiers playing a number of organized sports, including kick ball. However,
kick ball remained largely a children's game until the end of the twentieth
century, when more adults caught on to the sport.

Participation Grows for Adults

There was a resurgence in interest in kick ball during the late 1990s,
particularly among adults who had played the game as children. Social
kickball leagues began to pop up throughout the United States. As interest
grew, organizations such as the World Adult Kickball Association were
formed, and thousands of adults became involved with the game. Kick ball
remains a favorite pastime of kids and adults alike, who play in playgrounds
and parks across the United States and internationally.

Facilities and Equipment in Kickball 

Kickball has been played and enjoyed by many since 1917. It was used to
teach the rules of baseball but without all the extra equipment. So instead of
bats, players used what they had: their feet. But there are more equipment
that make the game unique. 

Inflated Rubber Ball

You can play kickball recreationally with just about any bouncy ball or
dodgeball you can find, but at higher levels of play the regulation balls are 10
inches in diameter at a pressure of 1.5 lbs. per square inch. It is important for
gameplay to make sure that the ball is properly inflated so investing on a good
pump is a good idea as well. Kickball comes in all colors, but players ar most
likely to use the iconoc red ball as it’s easy to identify on any field. 

Kickball Bases
Similar to baseball, kickball is played with one ball two teams and four bases.
Begin by explaining (or reviewing) the four bases–home plate, first base,
second base and third base.

Kickball field

Kickball Field Dimensions

In terms of size, WAKA states that kickball is played on a square field with
60-ft-long equal sides. The pitching mound is 42 feet 5 1/8 inches from home
plate in the center of the diamond. Corner to corner measurement through the
pitching mound is 84 feet 10 ¼ inches.
Unlike many other sports, Kickball tends to have a very loose rules on the
player’s uniform. Most players stick to athletic wear: shots or athletic pants, a
jersey or T-shirt and shoes and cleats.It’s important that kickball players
moisture wicking, breathable clothing to allow them to run around the bases
and in the field with ease.  

Kickball Jersey
Team Jerseys are how kickball players can identify each other on the field and
differentiate themselves from other teams. Jerseys can be short or long
sleeved. Each jersey will be in the team color, including a player’s number,
team name and the player’s name as well.  

Kickball Leggings
Pants and leggings can be a go to for a cold fall kickball game. 

Kickball Shorts
Shorts are great for a summer kickball game. Additionally you can match the
color of your shorts to your jersey and socks to complete the uniform. There
are many types of shorts, but feel free to be creative with style. Kickball is a
fun game, go out a have pair of throwback shorts.  
Kick Ball Shoes
Foot wear is extremely important in a game that is all about kicking. Outdoor
players wear cleats in order to best grip in to the ground when running. Most
athletic cleats will do the job, but metal cleats are not allowed, plastic or
rubber spiked cleats are worn. Indoor players can use just about any athletic
sneaker that fits comfortably. 

Kickball Socks
Most Kickball players wear socks to keep their feet comfortable during
gameplay. Since there will be certainly a lot of kicking going on, this extra
layer on the feet can be very helpful with preventing injury and wicking sweat.
Teams might have matching socks as a part of their uniform.  

Aside from the uniform basics you may also see players wearing a few
accessories. Those outside might wear sunglasses and a hat to protect/avoid
the sun during the game. Some wear sweat bands to sweat out of the eyes.
Players are allowed to wear any protective gear as long as it doesn’t put them
at an advantage over their opponent.