Researchers agree that an effective way to promote a positive attitude towards PE and physical activity is intrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan, 2000; Papaioannou, Bebetsos, Theodorakis, Christodoulidis, & Kouli, 2006) which based on taking pleasure in an activity, excitement of doing so, effort and persistence during learning (Niemiec & Ryan, 2009). Researchers found that approaches in which students are at the heart of learning process could enhance enjoyment and intrinsic motivation. Teaching games for understanding (TGfU) is an approach to games teaching where participants are learning by focusing on the spirit of the game. This tactical model is modified games (small sided, equipment, etc) which provide opportunities for the students to develop greater understanding of the game by playing.  Seventy-one students aged 11-12 years old children participated in the study. Students were divided into two groups: i) the experimental group consisted of 29 students (13 boys and 16 girls) and ii) the control group of 42 students (19 boys and 23 girls). Teachers in the intervention classes applied the game-based approach (TGfU) and in the control group applied the skill-focused approach to teaching basketball. Motivation and lesson satisfaction were assessed pre and post-intervention using questionnaires. Repeated measures analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences on intrinsic motivation and lesson satisfaction where the experimental group had higher scores than the control one. The results imply that a game-based approach is a great way to improve intrinsic motivation and enjoyment in elementary school. 

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