What is Game Sense?

A players ability to make the right decision at the right time and under pressure on a repeat basis…..

Decision Making

It doesn’t matter what level or age group you play at, what position you play or the type of player you might be, every time a player has a disposal he/she is asked to make a decision.

What sort of decision do players make without the ball?

• What is my role at the stoppage?
• Where do I need to run to?
• Should I roll up on that player?
• Is my body position right?
• Which player do I need to pick up?
• Should I go for the mark or spoil?
• Should I block or call for the ball?
• Where should I position to meet the flight of the ball?
• Do I need to rotate?
• How can I stop my player from getting another goal?
• Where is front and centre?
• Should I be hydrating, it’s a day before a game?
• Should I try to gather the ball?
• Should I lead my opponent out of this space?

….and many more.

A lot of decisions with and without the ball… “WHATS NEXT”

Our game continuously challenges players to execute skill and decision making under pressure.

The more we encourage and enable players to practice in game like situations the more effective they will be executing their skills in full match conditions.

In the short amount of time we may have to practice with our players, as coaches we must find the balance in our training between being game centered and technique centered.

Game Sense / Decision Making Training

It is imperative you practice decision making drills, by hand and foot, particularly game sense kicking drills at training by incorporating repeat efforts at reduction of time and space. Don’t be afraid to work on fatiguing the players and then work on their execution under pressure at the fatigue levels.

Benefits of Game Sense / Decision Making Training

• Think under pressure and enhances their ability to make the correct decisions at the correct time.
  See the options, Choose the correct option, Execute the skill
• Develop fundamental skills such as kicking, marking and handballing in game like situations, under
  pressure, rather than practising them in isolation.
• Build a greater understanding of how to ‘play’ the game.
• Skills are developed in a more meaningful environment.
• Promotes participation and fun consequently increasing motivation levels.
• Assist beginners in developing techniques to adapt their level of skill to cope with varying game situations.

The Role of the Coach

Which group of characteristics do you think assist in making game sense training work?

SPIR method (Show, Practice, Instruct, Reward).