Mini-Invasion Games

[TGfU] Designing Elementary PE

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[TGfU] Designing Elementary PE Mini-Invasion Games: Creating Space & Decision Making at Once

Hello, this is Teacher Young-in! :)

The 2022 Revised Physical Education Curriculum strongly recommends game-centered classes that cultivate tactical understanding and decision-making skills, beyond simple skill repetition. The representative model for this is TGfU (Teaching Games for Understanding).

Today, instead of complex formal games, I will introduce a class structure that simultaneously captures Creating Space and Decision Making through 'Mini-Invasion Games' that elementary students can easily immerse themselves in!

1️⃣ What is TGfU? (Understanding through Games)

TGfU is an instructional model that proceeds in the order of [Game → Tactical Understanding → Skill Practice → Game Application].

The core idea is not to teach skills (passing, dribbling) first and then play the game, but to play the game first and help students realize for themselves, "Ah, this is why I need to pass accurately!" within a tactical context.

This is an excellent approach that naturally aligns with the 'Problem-solving ability, Decision-making, and Community competency' of the 2022 Revised Curriculum!

2️⃣ Structure of Mini-Invasion Games (Simple is Best!)

Invasion Games are types of games like soccer, basketball, and handball where you penetrate the opponent's territory to score. For elementary students, 'Mini Games' smaller than official courts are much more effective.

Number of Players: 3:3 or 4:4 (Maximizing opportunities to touch the ball!)

Space: Half of a gym court or a small rectangular area marked with cones

Goal: Score 1 point by delivering the ball to a designated End Zone via passes.

Rules: No dribbling (only passing allowed), cannot hold the ball for more than 3 seconds (Encourages quick judgment).

At this point, instead of instructing "Pass well!", the teacher should ask tactical questions like, "Where would be a good place to pass the ball?" or "Where should you move to create space for your friend to pass?". The teacher's questions and prompts determine the quality of the class.

3️⃣ Creating Space and Decision Making, How to Teach?

There are two key goals for this game. This is also a point where the teacher's expertise should shine. The teacher themselves must understand the mini-invasion game well and have insight into how to move strategically.

① Creating Space (Off-the-ball Movement)

"It's not just the friend with the ball who is important. Where should the friend without the ball stand to receive a pass easily?" Let them repeatedly experience the principle that the team moving into empty space first wins within the game.

② Decision Making

"Should I pass now? Or should I break through myself?" Instead of giving the answer right away, ask "Why did you pass there?" and have students explain the reasons for their choices. This dialogue process clearly organizes tactical concepts in their minds.

4️⃣ Connection Points with the 2022 Revised Curriculum

This class is not simply playing ball. It penetrates the core of the curriculum.

[Content Element]: Understanding and applying tactics in the competition domain.

[Core Competencies]: Communication competency to strategize with teammates, Community competency to score together, and Problem-solving competency to judge situations.

[Assessment]: Evaluating positioning (space), pass selection (decision making), and cooperative behavior (attitude) with an observation checklist connects perfectly to process-oriented assessment.

� Teacher Young-in's Tips for Class Application! (Directly Applicable in the Field)

✅ Tip ① Operate Question-Centered Classes (Q&A)

Gather for just 1 minute in the middle or after the activity. "Who was in the best position on our team?", "Which choice would have been more advantageous in that situation earlier?" A short 'Tactical Talk Time' rapidly grows students' thinking power.

✅ Tip ② Adjust Game Difficulty (Constraints)

If it's too hard? → "Reduce mandatory passes from 3 to 2" or "Reduce the number of defenders"

If it's too easy? → "Narrow the space" or "Score after 5 or more passes"

By slightly changing the rules to fit the team's level, all students can learn tactics within a 'Success Experience'.

� Wrapping Up

The charm of a TGfU class lies in the moment students shout "Eureka!" saying "Teacher, the defense breaks through when we do this!".

Before teaching skills, please gift them the 'power to think' and 'eyes to see space' through games first. How about setting the stage in today's PE class so that students can become wonderful playmakers who create space themselves?

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