Creating Modified Games

1. Creating Modified Games

2. Modified Games Defined Resemble the sport on which they are based, but adapted to suit the players’ age, size, ability, skill and experience. (Hillary Commission of New Zealand)

3. Nature of Games Fundamentally revolves around “solving a problem.” For ex. Volleyball: Strike ball over the net & inbounds in a way that the other team cannot return it. Softball: Put runners on base, and move them over by hitting the ball in a way that fielders cannot catch it on the fly.

4. Types of Game Rules Primary Rules: Define the way a game is played – Changing a primary rule alters the game fundamentally. Secondary Rules: Those rules that can be changed without changing the fundamental nature of the game.

5. Which rules to modify? Primary Rules: Define the way a game is played – Changing a primary rule alters the game fundamentally. Examples of Secondary Rules: Size and type of equipment, size of field/court, duration of game, net height, scoring methods Allows for matching of the game’s challenge with the developmental level of players

6. Key Strategies for Modifying Games Make scoring easier (e.g., differential scoring). Slow the movement of the ball/object. Increase opportunities to practice techniques & tactics. Sequencing games to enable learning of tactics. Change the scoring rules.

7. Modifying Individual Sports Modifications here also include changes in equipment and/or playing area. Examples: Track & Field: Expanded take-off board; Lower hurdles; use line instead of circle for shot/discus. Swimming: Use of fins; start race in water. Gymnastics: Use long bench for balance beam.

8. Modifying Dual Sports Modifications here also include changes in equipment and/or playing area. Racquet games examples: Move in serve lines. Short-handled racquets. Short wide / longer –narrow court. Different (i.e., slower moving) ball Shorter-handled racquets

9. Modifying Dual Sports (cont’d.) Modifications here also include changes in equipment and/or playing area. Target games examples: Archery: Shorten distance to target; Larger targets. Bowling: Shorten lane length; Use bumpers (when @ bowling alley). Golf: Play from 150 or 200 yds. in.

10. Modifying Team Sports Sample modifications for Invasion Games

11. Modifying Team Sports Sample modifications for Batting /Fielding Games (a.k.a sector games) ** with smaller sectors, team size is reduced as well

12. Modifying Games Within A Class GENERAL RULE: Within groups, differences in experience increases across grade levels, even in “novel” activities.

13. Modifying Games Within A Class OVERRIDING GOAL: Arrange evenly matched competition enabling ALL students to enjoy the games and experience success “Graded Competition” A - Competition Between-level differences in equipment, rules etc. B - Competition C – Competition

14. Including Students w. Disabilities Modifications generally focus on different rules, playing positions, and equipment.

15. Including Students w. Disabilities (cont’d.) If using a Sports Board, recruit its assistance in finding ways to design inclusive strategies.