Designing the Right Games Strategy: Evidence-Based Technology of Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) Model

• Published in: Lecture Notes in Bioengineering
• Main Author: Abdul Ghani D.Z.; Zainuddin Z.A.; Mohd Hashim A.H.; Ibrahim H.; Mohamed A.M.D.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85200511243&doi=10.1007%2f978-981-97-3741-3_21&partnerID=40&md5=dccaeb1c785a93aed553c78e81114c30

Teaching games for understanding (TGfU) model is an approach that implements tactical games to develop and enhance individual skills in sports. Focus X2 is a technology used to evaluate the sports performance through notational analysis. Notational analysis is a procedure that assesses movement pattern and strategy in sports performance. Notational analysis could facilitate learning skills and supported the TGfU model from the empirical scientific feedbacks generated to improve individuals’ performance. The aim of this study is to compare the empirical data on professional athletes and school squash players during matches using technology via notational analysis and to apply TGfU teaching model in order to seek the playing pattern for personalized learning development. A total of 17,361 shots were analyzed using the Focus X2 games analysis software. Analysis was based on observation through video recording of the shots performed throughout the tournaments. Analyses were mainly focused on rallies at 16 divided areas of squash court which were evenly divided into front, middle, and back areas. Results indicated that Area 13 (back-sidewall area) is the area with the highest number of shots performed while the lowest number of shots performed was recorded at Area 14 and Area 15 (back-middle areas) with zero percentage. Through these results, although the standard of playing was at a different level, the tactical approaches used were the same. TGfU approaches focus on the tactical aspect first rather than technical had been proven significant where individuals tend to react more by improvising their playing pattern according to the situation using basic techniques. Tactically in squash, playing constantly at the back area of the court and near to the sidewall (Area 13) could ensure the opponent to be away from the center of the court and create opportunities to play offensively to pressure the opponent to commit mistakes. Thus, shots were greatly played in this area. Findings via technology signify the effectiveness of TGfU concept in strategizing the playing pattern in squash for individuals and could be used as feedbacks to reflect on individuals’ self-learning performance. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.