This book is a concise, practical introduction to Models-based Practice (MbP), a transformative approach to physical education and sport pedagogy that uses multiple pedagogical models in the design and delivery of physical education programs.

The book introduces the core concepts underpinning the MbP approach – including models such as teaching games for understanding, sport education, cooperative learning and health-based physical education – and examines its significance for teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice and student learning, and full of practical tips and features to encourage critical thinking, the book explains how to develop successful, flexible and sustainable MbP programs that can deliver real educational and health and well-being benefits for children and young people, in schools or in after-school or community-based settings.

Applying Models-based Practice in Physical Education is intended for current and prospective teachers of physical education who are responsible for organising and enacting programs at all grade levels. It will also be of interest to researchers, students and other sport pedagogy practitioners, such as coaches who are looking for new and innovative ways of working with children and young people.

Ashley Casey is Professor of Physical Education and Pedagogy at Loughborough University, a National Teaching Fellow and Series Editor of the Routledge Focus on Sport Pedagogy.

David Kirk is Professor of Education at the University of Strathclyde and Editor of the Routledge journal Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy.