TGFU

TGFU - Teaching Games For Understanding.

TGFU is a learning process based on problem solving. Using the TGFU model places an emphasis on the players devloping game appreciation , understanding the game to a greater extent than simply being able to perform a list of skills. Many coaches simply do not appreciate the importance of game appreciation and instead focus mainly on the development of skills and techniques. Without the right knowledge of a game though, what use is a skill without the ability to use it it at the right moment ?

Having proper game appreciation and an understanding of what skills to use , when and why , allows players that are not perhaps technically brilliant to be good players because of how well the read the game. Top defenders are often a good example of this , they may not be able to control a ball as well as their center forward team mate , or hit a target from 30 yards , but their ability to assess problems quickly and spot danger allows them to be in the right place at the right time with no need for skills.

In the process of TGFU then it woulld usually mean that you start by coaching simple pitch or court dynamics. Letting the players get an appreciation for the size and distances of the court , maybe the playing surface even , how much grip it offers to turn etc. In this case I will use tennis as the example , when coaching a player , starting with the dynamics of the court , basic positioning would be the first part. Where to stand at service or when taking service. Then basic court movements , coming too the net and moving back into postion quickly , developing an appreciation of the distance left to right on the court and when using one side of the racket or the other is more appropriate.

When the player has gathered more of an understanding and an appreciation of the court dynamics , is more spatially aware of their surroundings then you can begin to move on to other basics such as the stance and holding of the racket (remembering to allow them to hold the racket how they feel is comfortable and effective). It does not matter if they make a number of mistakes as long as they begin to develop an understanding of why those mistakes occurred , allowing them to solve their own problems and adapt new ways around it.

TGFU is essentially a reversal of what is considered normal procedure , usually children would come to a session and expect to be taught a skill , which they then learn and are then expected to perform in a game situation. Instead what TGFU offers is the understanding of the game first , so that when the player learns the skill and have to put it into practice in a game situation they have a more informed opinion of what is the most appropriate and effective skill to use in this situation.

Below another video that expalins TGfU from a coaching perspective. Note how in the video the players are not focusing on specific skills , but in fact are playing in a variety of game situations , with adaptations to increase their understanding of positioning and space etc.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx25KgDdHmQ