• The Integration of Wheelchair Users in Team Handball, Steffen Greve, Sinikka Heisler, Pia von Keutz, et.al., Sports, Volume 9(12), 168, (December 2021). Thus far, there are only a few sports activities in which people with and without intellectual disabilities can participate together and on an equal footing. The situation is even more complicated when people who are dependent on a wheelchair want to take part. The sports project Freiwurf Hamburg aims to make team handball playable for everyone. This case study documents how this can be achieved with a modified version of the handball game for runners and wheelchair users. Qualitative and quantitative data are collected and evaluated. The results show that players tend to distinguish between the roles of runner and wheelchair user rather than between disabled and non-disabled.
• Scaling junior sport competition: A body-scaling approach? Nathan Broadbent, Tim Buszard, Damian Farrow, et.al., Journal of Sports Sciences, Volume 39(23), pp.2746-2754, (August 2021). The design of the junior sport competition environment plays a critical role in attracting and retaining children as life-long participants. Critically, however, the guidelines governing the design of junior sport are rarely scrutinized. With this in mind, our aim is to offer sports authorities a method to systematically assess the suitability of guidelines. The most popular junior ball sport competitions in Australia were assessed in relation to the scaling of task constraints and compared to children’s corresponding physical maturation and/or performance measures. This assessment enabled the calculation of pi ratios, which were then used to categorise constraints as either (1) undersized, (2) appropriately sized or (3) oversized. Results revealed that most sports’ ask children to play in oversized conditions, particularly in the under 9 to under 12 age groups and in boys’ competitions. The task constraints that had the highest percentage of pi ratios appropriately sized were match duration and goal size. Comparatively, ball size and field length had the highest percentage of pi ratios classified as oversized. We contend that the systematic approach applied in this article should be used by sports authorities to understand the extent of scaling constraints in junior sport.
• Effect of scaling basket height for young basketball players during the competition: seeking out positive sport experiences, Enrique Ortega-Toro, Francisco Javier García-Angulo, José María Giménez-Egido, et.al., Journal of Sports Sciences, Volume 39(24), pp.2763-2771, (July 2021). This study aimed to analyse the effect of reducing basket height on the technical-tactical actions, physical participation, self-efficacy, cooperation and enjoyment of young basketball players in the competition. 51 under-14 male basketball players from four teams were chosen as the sample. The data collection included 2,286 attack phases during 12 matches. All players competed in two tournaments using official basketball rules but different basket heights (official basket height, 3.05 metres, and modified basket height, 2.80 metres). The dependent variables were: a) types of shooting actions, shot efficacy, and shooting conditions; b) the duration, type, number of passes done, and efficacy of the attack phases; c) heart rate values; and d) perception of specific and physical self-efficacy, collective efficacy, cooperation, and enjoyment. The results show that the scaled basket promoted game styles that increased the occurrence of fast-breaks and long positional attack phase. Shot efficacy for all shot types improved (not-significantly) and brought change in players’ specific self-efficacy and enjoyment. These findings show that scaling equipment can help the transition from mini-basket to regular basket (under-14 age group) by generating better conditions for players’ development.
• Play more, enjoy more, keep playing; rugby is a simple game, Ben Jones, Ed Hope, Andrew Hammond, et.al., International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, Volume 16(3), pp. 636-645, (June 2021). Competitive Engineering (CE) is a structurally-based competitive climate process designed to create a more positive experience in youth sport. CE encompasses changes to league structures, equipment, pitch-size, and game rules. For example, rule changes that stipulate greater involvement (e.g., playing time) or action (e.g., increasing scoring opportunities) are designed to improve engagement. Despite this, few studies have examined whether CE-based rule changes influence factors known to influence drop out from sport. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a rule change in youth rugby whereby any player selected as part of a match day squad must play at least half a game or equivalent (i.e., the ‘Half-Game Rule’). To achieve this, we studied the influence of the rule change on player reported outcomes throughout the 2017/2018 playing season. Players who “always or almost always” experienced playing at least half a game more often than other players; reported higher enjoyment, than those who played less regularly (F = 35.6, P < .001). Importantly, players who reported higher levels of enjoyment also reported greater intentions to continue playing rugby (F = 6.4, P < .002). Findings support the use of CE to facilitate player enjoyment in team sports and could lead to reduced attrition in youth sport more generally.
• Baskin – a new basketball-based sport for reverse-integration of athletes with disabilities: an analysis of the relative importance of player roles, Davide Sisti, Stefano Amatori, Roberto Bensi, et.al., Sport in Society, Volume 24(2), pp.277-285, (2021). Reverse integration in sports is a kind of integration in which athletes with disabilities outnumber their non-disabled counterparts. A new sport that reflects the concept of reverse integration is ‘Baskin’, which has similar rules to traditional basketball, with a difference: players are divided into five roles, according to the severity of their disability or lack thereof. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate, the degree of contribution to the match outcome of the Baskin scores of participants in different roles. The investigation was conducted by analysing the 2015/2016 Baskin league season, comparing the points scored by each player role. Results showed that the contribution of athletes with severe disabilities is decisive to the outcome of the games. Within the concept of reversed integration, some changes to the rules could be made to spread the scoring more evenly across the various player roles on the Baskin team.
• Scaling the cricket pitch to fit junior players, Michael Harwood, Maurice Yeadon, Mark King, Journal of Sport Sciences, Volume 39(1), pp.31-37, (2021).In this study, a method of scaling the cricket pitch length is presented which is based on the age-specific size and performance of the bowlers and batters. The objective was a pitch length which enabled young bowlers to bowl good length deliveries while releasing the ball at a more downward angle, similar to elite bowlers. The steeper release angle has the benefit of reducing the sensitivity of the ball flight distance to the variability of ball release. Based on data from county standard under-10 and under-11 players a pitch length of 16.22 yards (14.83 m) was calculated, 19% shorter than previously recommended for under-11s in England. A shorter pitch also increases the temporal challenge for batters, encouraging a wider variety of shots and improved anticipation skills. Pitch lengths scaled in this way to fit the players’ abilities as they develop will enable a more consistent ball release by bowlers and more consistent temporal demand for batters.
• Walking soccer: A systematic review of a modified sport, Rekesh Corepal, Jia Yu Zhang, Sanya Grover, et.al., Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, Volume 30(12), pp.2282-2290, (December 2020). We identified nine peer-reviewed studies (with 117 participants). Most studies included small sample sizes and interventions with short duration. Walking soccer is an emerging modified sport that is popular across the United Kingdom (UK), with its reach extending to other countries. Limited published evidence exists for walking soccer, despite is global popularity. For the studies identified, generalizability was limited to predominately older men from the UK. Based on preliminary findings, walking soccer has the potential to confer health benefits and build social connections.
• The effect of equipment modification on the performance of novice junior cricket batters, Paul Dancy, Colm Murphy, Journal of Sport Sciences, Volume 38(21), pp.2415-2422, (June 2020). This study, therefore, aims to determine the effect of increasing surface area of cricket equipment (bats and balls) on batting performance and technique. Forty-three children (Mage = 5.2, SD = 0.8 years) completed a cricket batting task in which they aimed to hit the ball through a target zone while using either regular-scaled, or modified bat and ball with an increased surface area. The number of bat-ball contacts was significantly higher when using the modified (M = 13.81, SE = 0.42) compared to the regular-scaled ball (M = 10.65, SE = 0.49). Batting performance measured as shots played through target areas was also significantly higher when using the modified (M = 31.78, SE = 1.97) than the regular-scaled ball (M = 28.85, SE = 2.27). More desirable technique was also observed when using the modified compared to the regular bat. Findings suggest that further modifications to regular-scaled equipment can enhance skill production.
• Equipment modification can enhance skill learning in young field hockey players, JEA Brocken, J van der Kamp, M Lenoir, et.al., International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, Volume 15(3), pp.382-389, (June 2020). The aim of the study was to investigate whether performance of children can be improved by training with modified equipment that challenges movement execution. For that purpose, young field hockey players practiced with a modified and a regular hockey ball. The modified hockey ball enforces more variable movement execution during practice by rolling less predictably than a regular hockey ball and, thus, challenges the players’ stick–ball control. Two groups of 7- to 9-year old children, with 0 to 4 years of experience, participated in a crossover-design, in which they either received four training sessions with the modified ball followed by four training sessions with the regular ball or vice versa. Results show that practice with the modified ball led to greater performance improvement than the intervention with the regular hockey ball. This performance improvement, however, was not predicted by experience and/or initial skill (i.e. pretest score). The findings indicate that by using modified equipment, sport trainers and physical education teachers can, presumably through enhancement of movement variability during practice, stimulate skill acquisition in young children.
• Driveway Tennis: An Example of Sport Teaching via Games Making in Net/Court Games, Shane Pill, Mitch Hewitt, Rick Baldock, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Volume 91(2), pp.18-23, (March 2020). This article describes the concept of “driveway tennis” as a construct for student games making in physical education as an option for teaching sport for understanding. We connect the notion of games making in PE with a game-based teaching approach using the example of the Game Sense approach. We demonstrate how the concept of driveway tennis, and games developed by children and young people generally, aligns well with PE curricula expectations internationally.
• Implementation of a modified sport programme to increase participation: Key stakeholder perspectives, Buszard T, Oppici L, Westerbeek H, et.al., Journal of Sports Sciences, Volume 38(8), pp.945-952, (March 2020). Modified sports, whereby equipment and rules are manipulated to facilitate skill performance, have been shown to promote skill learning and potentially increase participation. However, it is currently unexplored how key stakeholders - coaches and key figures working in National associations - who are critical stakeholders in implementing and delivering sport programmes, perceive modified sport. This study explored how tennis coaches and key figures working within tennis National associations perceived the impact of implementing a modified tennis campaign on participation and skill development in children and adults. Key figures and coaches around the world completed an online questionnaire. Both groups considered that modified tennis was positively associated with increasing and sustaining participation, skill learning, talent development and people's attitude towards tennis. Furthermore, participants thought that a rule change (i.e., use of a low-compression ball in children competitions) and the campaign's core messages (i.e., "serve, rally, score" and "easy, fun, and healthy") have been critical for the success of the campaign. These results support previous research on the positive impact of modified tennis on skill development and provide a further impetus on implementing modified sports to increase participation. Other sports can adopt similar strategies to improve their modified programmes.
• Designing Junior Sport to Maximize Potential: The Knowns, Unknowns, and Paradoxes of Scaling Sport, Tim Buszard, Damian Farrow and Machar Reid, frontiers in Psychology, (8 January 2020). Junior sport is a regular weekend activity for many children across the world, yet many will be required to prematurely play on a field or with equipment that is designed for adults. Herein lies an opportunity for sport administrators to nurture children’s development in sport by appropriately manipulating the rules and dimensions of the game. The aim of this mini-review is to (1) draw attention to the value of scaling junior sport, (2) highlight paradoxes within the current scaling sport literature, and (3) emphasize a way forward for junior sport research. If we are genuine in our endeavor to tailor sports experiences for children, more sophisticated approaches to scaling those experiences are a must.
• Experiences Influencing Walking Football Initiation in 55- to 75-Year-Old Adults: A Qualitative Study, Rachel Cholerton, Jeff Breckon, Joanne Butt, et.al., Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Volume 28(4), pp.521-533, (2020). Adults aged 55 and older are least likely to play sport. Despite research suggesting this population experiences physical and psychological benefits when doing so, limited research focuses on older adult sport initiation, especially in “adapted sports” such as walking football. The aim of this study was to explore initiation experiences of walking football players between 55 and 75 years old. Semi-structured interviews took place with 17 older adults playing walking football for 6 months minimum (Mage = 64). Inductive analysis revealed six higher order themes representing preinitiation influences. Eight further higher order themes were found, relating to positive and negative experiences during initiation. Fundamental influences preinitiation included previous sporting experiences and values and perceptions. Emergent positive experiences during initiation included mental development and social connections. Findings highlight important individual and social influences when initiating walking football, which should be considered when encouraging 55- to 75-year-old adults to play adapted sport. Policy and practice recommendations are discussed.
• The influence of modified equipment in developing skills in badminton, Abdul Muiz Nor Azmi, Pathmanathan K. Suppiah, Jeffrey Low Fook Lee, et.al., Malaysian Journal of Movement Health and Exercise, Volume 9(1), (2020). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of modified equipment on skill acquisition among novice badminton players. The participants (24 boys, 16 girls) aged between 7 – 9 years old, without any prior formal badminton experience, were randomly divided into four groups: standard racquet with standard court (SRSC), standard racquet with modified court (SRMC), modified racquet with standard court (MRSC) and modified racquet with modified court (MRMC). Based on the results, the children who practiced using modified racquet with the modified court (MRMC), recorded the highest hitting opportunities and stroke effectiveness compared to the others groups. The participants who practiced using the standard equipment recorded less hitting opportunities and stroke effectiveness during the mini-competition. This study demonstrated the advantages for children playing using modified equipment with a smaller court. By manipulating the task constraints, skill acquisition can be enhanced among children.
• A Shorter Cricket Pitch Improves Decision-Making by Junior Batters, Michael Harwood, Maurice Yeadon, Mark King, Journal of Sports Science, Volume 37(17), pp.1934-1941, (2019). This study sought to determine whether playing on a shorter cricket pitch would lead batters to make more appropriate decisions about whether to play front foot or back foot shots. Based on an analysis of the shots played by top order batters against seam bowling in county under-10 matches, an age-specific "good length" region between 5.0 yards and 6.5 yards (4.57 to 5.94 m) from the batters' stumps was derived.
• Girls’ transition from participation in a modified sport program to club sport competition - a study of longitudinal patterns and correlates, Rochelle Eime, Jack Harvey and Melanie Charity, BMC Public Health, Volume 18, Article 718, (June 2018). A total of 13,760 female children (aged 4–10) participated in the modified sport in the first year. The majority (59%) transitioned from the modified sport program and into club competition. However the rate of transition varied with age, residential location and socio-economic status, and there was an interaction between region and SES, with SES having a significant influence on transition in the metropolitan region. The peak sport entry age with the highest rates of transition was 7–9 years.
• Scaling Constraints in Junior Tennis: The Influence of Net Height on Skilled Players' Match-Play Performance, Vera Limpens, Tim Buszard, Emma Shoemaker, et.al., Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport , Volume 89(1), pp.1-10, (2018). The net height in tennis (0.91 m) is approximately 50% of a professional tennis player's height. Children are also expected to play with this net height, even though it is approximately 70% of the average 10-year-old's height. This study examined the immediate effect of lowering net height on the performance characteristics of skilled junior tennis players aged 10 years and younger. Results showed that lowering the net height to 0.65 m and 0.52 m led to players adopting a more attacking style of play, as evidenced by a significant increase in the number of winners without a commensurate increase in errors and more shots struck inside the baseline. Lower nets also led to a greater percentage of successful first serves. The lowest net (0.52 m), however, reduced rally length significantly and therefore decreased hitting opportunities.
• 'We're doing AFL auskick as well': Experiences of an adapted football program for children with autism, Tamara May, Nicole Rinehart, Lisa Barnett, et.al., Journal of Motor Learning and Development, Volume 6(1), pp.130-146, (2018). This study explored parent experiences of and influences on child participation in an 11-week Australian Football League (AFL) Auskick football program adapted for children with ASD as well as changes in their motor skills. The program was run in 2014 (Phase 1) and 2015 (Phase 2).Three key themes were identified: benefit of doing something ‘normal’; simple adaptations work; and, despite barriers, the benefits are worthwhile. Parent-proxy report indicated improvement in child object control skills. Objective assessment showed no change in children’s motor skill. Parental experiences of the program indicated that simple accommodations can engage children with ASD and their families in organized sporting programs. Given potential psychosocial and health benefits of organized sports, further controlled studies of this type of program in children with ASD are warranted.
• Why just exercise if you can play? Interest in a modified sports program to enhance physical activity among primary care patients, Christopher Sciamanna, Andrew Mowen, Jennifer Kraschnewski, et.al., Preventive Medicine Reports, Volume 8, pp.273-278, (December 2017). This survey was designed to determine the interest of primary care patients in participating in program designed to maximize enjoyment. Primary care patients (n=540) in Central Pennsylvania reported their interest in participating in a “a regular fitness program where people your own age played games, such as softball, floor hockey and soccer, that were made to be easier to play and less competitive.” Mean age was 58.4 years. More than one-third, including 59.6% of those under age 50, were interested in the modified sports fitness program. After adjusting for confounders, patients under age 40 were 5.9 times as interested (v. age > 70) and non-white patients were 3.4 times interested. Female patients and those with hypertension, high cholesterol or obesity were equally interested. A fitness program that consists of modified sports may be of interest to most primary care patients under age 50. Patients' initial interest appears high enough to warrant further development and testing.
• The impact of modified rules on involvement and psychosocial influences on AFL junior football players, H. Brownlow, P. Phillips, K. Encel, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 20(Supp1), E121, (January 2017). The use of modified rules increases involvement and is associated with perceptions of enjoyment and competence. Through increasing involvement, modified rules can facilitate more participants to have more opportunity to develop their skills and keep them in the sport for longer through the impact that it has on perceptions of competence and enjoyment. Adults who deliver and support participation in modified rules programs need to be educated and informed of their efficacy.
• Childhood Sports Participation and Adolescent Sport Profile, François Gallant, Jennifer O’Loughlin, Jennifer Brunet, et.al., Pediatrics, Volume 140(6), (2017). This study demonstrates that children who specialize in a sport may increase the risk of sport nonparticipation in adolescence. It also highlights that children who do not participate in sports are unlikely to participate in adolescence. In line with current clinical recommendations and supported by these results, the authors recommend that to encourage long-term physical activity participation it is necessary to encourage children to participate in a variety of sports early on.
• Opportunities and Benefits for Powerchair Users Through Power Soccer, Michael Jeffress, William Brown, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, Volume 34(3), pp.235-255, (2017). The present study provides a qualitative analysis of the experiences of 34 American power soccer athletes. Participant observation and in-depth interviews with 11 female and 23 male athletes were conducted between 2007 and 2013. Results indicate that involvement in power soccer provides participants with an increased sense of empowerment, acquisition of social capital, and psychosocial benefits, including a deep satisfaction of the desire to participate in competitive sports and an opportunity to be independent. Implications of these findings for improving the quality of life of people with physical disabilities and for future research are discussed.
• The effect of equipment scaling on children’s sport performance: the case for tennis, Timmerman E, de Water J, Kachel K, et.al., Journal of Sports Sciences, Volume 33(10), pp.1093-1100, (2015). This study examined the influence of scaling court-size and net height on children’s tennis performance. The results of this study showed that children hit more winners, more forced errors, played more volleys, struck more shots from a comfortable height and played in a more forward court position when the net was scaled. In addition, scaling both the court and net lead to a faster children’s game, more closely approximating what is typical in an adult game. Further, children enjoyed playing on the scaled court and modified net condition more than standard adult conditions. The authors suggest that optimising the scaling of net height may be as critical as other task constraints, such as racquet length or court-size, as it leads to a more engaging learning environment for children.
• The effect of ball compression on the match-play characteristics of elite junior tennis players, Kim Kachel, Tim Buszard, Machar Reid, Volume 33(3), pp.320-326, (2015). The purpose of this article was to examine the effect of equipment scaling, through the modification of tennis ball compression, on elite junior tennis players (aged 10 years) within a match-play context. The two types of ball compressions that were compared were the standard compression (the normal ball) and 75% compression (termed the modified ball). Ten boys and 10 girls participated in the study. Participants were stratified into pairs based on their Australian Age Ranking and gender. Each pair played two two-set matches: one match with standard compression balls and one match with modified balls. The characteristics of each match were analysed and compared. The results showed that the use of the modified ball increased rally speed, allowed players to strike the ball at a lower (more comfortable) height on their groundstrokes and increased the number of balls played at the net. Ball compression had no effect on the relative number of winners, forehands, backhands, first serves in and double faults. The results are discussed in relation to skill acquisition for skilled junior tennis players.
• Low-cost and scalable classroom equipment to promote physical activity and improve education, McCrady-Spitzer S, Manohar C, Koepp G, et.al., Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Volume 12(9), pp.1259-1263 (2015). This study investigated whether low-cost and scalable classroom equipment that was designed to promote children’s physical activity would contribute to their overall physical activity level. Fourteen (7 males and 7 females) first-grade students (mean age 6.9 years) used the ‘Active Classroom Equipment’ for 30 minutes each day throughout the school year. Their baseline physical activity prior to the intervention was 157 minutes/5-days (Monday through Friday), and following the intervention, 229 minutes/5-days (not including classroom activity time). In addition to the significant increase in overall physical activity, the student’s physical literacy skills improved, as measure by the ‘Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills’ test. The Active Classroom Equipment included an overhead ladder, a balance beam, spinners, rebounders (personal trampolines), hopscotch, and gym mats. The equipment cost approximated $500 to construct.
• Participation in modified sports programs: A longitudinal study of children’s transition to club sport competition, Eime R, Casey M, Harvey J, et.al., BMC Public Health, Volume 15, (2015). Modified sport programs are designed as an introduction to sport for young children and provide an opportunity to engage in physical activity for health benefit. This longitudinal study identified trends in participation among children aged 4–12 years. The study explored the different outcomes; including continuation in the modified sports program, withdrawal from the program; or transition to club sport competition. Many of the participants who took part in modified sports programs, especially males, were very young (aged 4–6 years). The results of this study indicated that more children withdrew from their modified sport program rather than transitioning to club competition in that sport. Across all age groups, fewer than 25 % of females (n = 18,652) and fewer than 14 % of males (n = 18,058) transitioned from a modified sports program to a club sport competition within a 4-year period. Very few children continued their participation in a modified sports program for the full 4-year period of the study; two-thirds of those who withdrew did so after the first year. There were also age differences between when boys and girls started, withdrew, and transitioned from the modified sports programs. This study had a number of limitations, it was limited to only three Australian sports, albeit popular ones, and cannot necessarily be generalised to sports in general. Two of the three sports were dominated by males and one by females, although this imbalance did not limit the ability to identify sex differences in the patterns of participation. The results of this study suggest that there is a need for better links between modified programs and club sport competition programs if continuity of participation in a particular sport is to be maintained as children age. The inclusion of an intermediate program within the sport participation pathway, between modified sport and club sport competitions, may assist continuation of participation in a given sport.
• Scaling sporting equipment for children promotes implicit processes during performance, Tim Buszard, Damian Farrow, Machar, Reid, et.al., Conciousness and Cognition, Volume 30, pp.247-255, (November 2014). This study investigated whether children who used scaled equipment compared to full size equipment during a motor task demonstrated reduced conscious involvement in performance. Children (9–11 years) performed a tennis hitting task in two attention conditions (single-task and dual-task) using two types of equipment (scaled and full size). A more skilled group and a less skilled group were formed using hitting performance scores. The more skilled group displayed greater working memory capacity than the less skilled group. For both groups, hitting performance and technique were better when scaled equipment was used.
• The Effect of Ball Compression on the Match-Play Characteristics of Elite Junior Tennis Players, Kim Kachel, Tim Buszard, Machar Reid, Journal of Sport Sciences, Volume 33(3), pp.320-326, (August 2014). The purpose of this article was to examine the effect of equipment scaling, through the modification of tennis ball compression, on elite junior tennis players (aged 10 years) within a match-play context. The two types of ball compressions that were compared were the standard compression (the normal ball) and 75% compression (termed the modified ball). Ten boys and 10 girls participated in the study. Participants were stratified into pairs based on their Australian Age Ranking and gender. Each pair played two two-set matches: one match with standard compression balls and one match with modified balls. The characteristics of each match were analysed and compared. The results showed that the use of the modified ball increased rally speed, allowed players to strike the ball at a lower (more comfortable) height on their groundstrokes and increased the number of balls played at the net. Ball compression had no effect on the relative number of winners, forehands, backhands, first serves in and double faults. The results are discussed in relation to skill acquisition for skilled junior tennis players.
• Validation of the Playing for Life Philosophy for children aged five to 12 years, Australian Sports Commission, (May 2013) This philosophy is based on the game sense approach to coaching. The Active After-school Communities program [2005-2014] adopted the ‘Playing for Life’ philosophy to underpin its approach to delivering sport. Playing for Life advocates a fun and inclusive environment for the introduction of sport and other structured physical activities to primary-school aged children. It also ensures children of all abilities are engaged in the activities and have a positive and successful experience.
• Coaching and Sport Science Review, The official Tennis Coaching and Sport Science publication of the International Tennis Federation, Issue 60, (2013). This publication contains various articles on motor learning and performance improvement in tennis, with references to the effects on children’s tennis due to modified equipment, rules, and teaching techniques.
• The effects of scaling tennis equipment on the forehand groundstroke performance of children, Larson E and Guggenheimer J, Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, Volume 12, pp.323-331, (2013). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects that low compression tennis balls and scaled tennis courts had on the forehand groundstroke performance of children. The participants of this study were found to have enhanced forehand groundstroke performance when using modified balls and court versus standard balls and court. Considering these findings, the authors suggest that children may gain more enjoyment of the game due to their enhanced success. Therefore, modifying the game of tennis may play a vital role in the continued enjoyment and progress of young tennis enthusiasts.

• Sporting Schools is an Australian Government initiative designed to help schools increase children's participation in sport and connect them with community sport opportunities. The program provides a variety of resources for coaches and teachers to enhance the delivery of sport in schools, including:
  • Playing for Life Resources. Playing for Life activity cards are designed for everyday use by teachers, coaches, out of school hours care staff and parents. Aligned with the Australian Curriculum and the Australian Physical Literacy Framework, these game based activities are easily adapted to different sports and help create a safe, inclusive and challenging environment for children.
  • Sports Ability Resources. Inclusive activity cards for all levels of ability designed to develop children's skills, confidence and motivation for sports-based activities.
  • Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games. A selection of games and activities from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies all around Australia. Suitable for children and adults of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, Yulunga can be used as an educational resource and as a guide to inclusive, structured sport within communities.
  • Other resources for schools, coaches, sporting organisations, and parents and guardians are available from the Sporting Schools website.
• AASC Playing for Life resources. The Australian Sports Commission developed a variety of resources to assist people to deliver Playing for Life sport activities as part of the Active After-Schools Communities (AASC) program including a 'Resource kit'; 'Companion books' for individual sports; 'sports coaching manuals'; and 'junior sports programs' developed in partnership with National Sporting Organisations. Resources for Indigenous games and Olympic sports activity cards were also developed. These resources remain useful for teachers, coaches and others interested in developing sport and physical activity skills for children and young adults and are available through the Australian Sport Publication Archive.

• From a child’s view, adults find full-ice no fun, USA Ice Hockey, (2014). USA Ice Hockey put adult players on a rink scaled to simulate what a child experiences when they play in a full size (adult) venue. It’s hard for adults to imagine or remember what it was really like trying to play the game on a full-sized rink. This experiment demonstrates the benefits of cross-ice hockey for skill development and fun among young players.
• Let's see how the adults like it, Sussex County Football Association, UK, (2013). A group of adults get to experience what it’s like to be one of the kids playing on a full size pitch, by using a supersized goal and field of play at St. George's Park.

Sporting Schools is a national program aimed at bringing more sport-based activity to schools. It became operational in July 2015. The program is managed by Sport Australia and engages schools and over 35 National Sporting Organisations (NSOs). The program was expanded to include secondary schools (focusing on years 7 and 8) in 2017.

One of the program objectives is to convert children’s sporting interests into club-based settings and foster a lifelong interest in sport. A number of the Sporting Schools programs are modified sports developed by NSOs. Programs are based upon the ‘playing for life’ philosophy – having fun, getting active and developing movement skills. Funding is available to schools to engage quality coaches to deliver sporting opportunities before, during and after school hours.

Sporting Schools provides a variety of resources for coaches and teachers to enhance the delivery of sport in schools. This includes:

• Playing for Life Resources. Playing for Life activity cards are designed for everyday use by teachers, coaches, out of school hours care staff and parents. Aligned with the Australian Curriculum and the Australian Physical Literacy Framework, these game based activities are easily adapted to different sports and help create a safe, inclusive and challenging environment for children.
• Sports Ability Resources. Inclusive activity cards for all levels of ability designed to develop children's skills, confidence and motivation for sports-based activities.
• Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games. A selection of games and activities from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies all around Australia.
• Other resources for schools, coaches, sporting organisations, and parents and guardians are available from the Sporting Schools website.

• OzBow Program. Designed as a Step by Step performance and reward based program for new members irrespective of age, gender, or equipment they are shooting.

• Little Athletics. The mission of Little Athletics is to develop children of all abilities by promoting positive attitudes and a healthy lifestyle through family and community involvement in athletic activities. Standard track and field events are modified for distances and the equipment used is scaled down to suit children. The emphasis, particularly in the younger age groups, is on fun and participation.
• Nitro Athletics. A modified competition format for athletics that put a new spin on the traditional events. It is a team based competition with odd-distance events, relays, and unconventional formats. The concept merges ‘entertainment’ with ‘athletic performance’; modified rules serve to enhance the spectator appeal of the sport.
• Frame Running (formerly RaceRunning) is an innovative sport for people with a physical disability who have impaired balance, who are not able to functionally run, regardless of age. A Frame Runner trike is a custom built three-wheeled frame where the runner is fully supported by a saddle and leans against a chest support, propelling themselves forward by the feet (one or both), while using the hands and/or arms to steer.
• Sporting Schools. Athletics Australia’s Sporting Schools programs, Kids’ Athletics, Run Active, and Novo Athletics, are an introduction to team-based activities in an age appropriate format.
  • With the support of Deaf Sports Australia, Athletics Australia can also facilitate an Active Deaf Kids program through Sporting Schools.
  • Kids’ Athletics in partnership with Special Olympics Australia is an adapted version of the Kids’ Athletics program, catering for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. It has been designed by Athletics Australia in partnership with Special Olympics Australia for delivery in special education environments. Coaches are purposefully trained and provided with additional resources to deliver inclusive programs and to adapt activities to suit the needs of participating students.

• AFL Auskick. The Australian Football League (AFL) Auskick program provides boys and girls with a fun and safe Australian football experience that serves as an introduction to a lifetime of involvement in the game. Children learn fundamental motor skills; the basics of fitness conditioning, including how to train; and principles about the importance of health and nutrition.
• AFL 9s. This is the AFL's official social version of the game. It's a fast, fun, free-flowing game that involves 9 players on each team playing on a smaller field. Best of all, it's 'touch football' with no tackling or bumping, making it suitable for everyone.
• AFLX. Introduced in 2018, AFLX is an exciting game created by the AFL to showcase some of the most thrilling elements of Australian Football to attract new fans. AFLX is played on a rectangular field with seven players on the field.
• AFL Blind is a new adapted version of Australian football which enables people with blindness or low vision, through modifications to equipment and rules, to play the game.
• AllPlay Footy was established to create opportunities for all children to play sport, including the one in five children who experience developmental challenges or disability.
• Wheelchair Aussie Rules. Based on AFL rules and played on a basketball court, this wheelchair sport is open to anyone to play!
• Sporting Schools. The AFL has a number of Sporting Schools program offerings for primary schools and Year 7 and 8 students.

• AirBadminton is the new exciting format of badminton that can be played by people of all ages and all abilities. The specially developed AirShuttle lets you play on hard surfaces, grass and sand, in any setting you can think of; in parks, in streets, on a playground and any beach!
• Sporting Schools. Shuttle Time is designed to provide a positive badminton experience for children and youth through a fun, engaging and social environment.

• Aussie T-ball. Aussie T-Ball is Baseball Australia’s junior entry point program to introduce children to the game of baseball. T-Ball is a modified version of baseball for children. The game is a six-a-side, bat and ball game that’s all about being active and having fun.
• Baseball5. A five-on-five, five-inning street version of Baseball/Softball that can be played on any surface. Features a smaller field, 5 players per team, and only requires a rubber ball to play.
• Sporting Schools. Baseball Australia introduces students to baseball through two Sporting Schools programs: Baseball5 and Aussie T-Ball.

• Aussie Hoops. Basketball Australia’s official introductory program, providing a fun and inclusive Basketball experience for 5-10-year-olds that serves as an introduction to a lifetime of involvement in the game. In addition to promoting healthy and active lifestyles, the program serves as a platform for social development and inclusion - fostering stronger and more vibrant communities and individuals.
• 3x3. Following the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, 2011 saw the first 3x3 U18 World Championships in Rimini, Italy and a year later, the first-ever FIBA 3x3 World Championship was held in Athens.
  • 3x3 Hustle is a convenient game for anyone anywhere. Lace them up, bring a ball – it’s time to Hustle.
• Walking basketball is a low-impact, social and fun way to improve the levels of physical activity for inactive and slightly active Australians, including those recovering from injury.
• Wheelchair basketball was initiated in the late 1940’s when basketball players returned from World War II to the U.S.A unable to play able-bodied basketball adapted the rules to enable it to be played in wheelchairs.
• Sporting Schools. Basketball Australia introduces students to basketball in Sporting Schools with two nationally accredited programs: Aussie Hoops, the official introductory program for primary school students, and 3X3 basketball, designed with secondary school students in mind.
  • With the support of Deaf Sports Australia, Basketball Australia can also facilitate an Active Deaf Kids program through Sporting Schools.

• ModBox. A low-impact activity is designed to develop skill, speed and fitness. It also promotes social inclusion and development over competitiveness. “ModBox is a sport-for-development initiative that uses a modified, low-risk form of boxing as a vehicle to assist with personal growth and development,” ModBox was developed over a five-year period, during which extensive research and collaboration with would-be participants was undertaken to continually refine the concept. It’s an extension of Box Tag, another no-risk variation of boxing developed by Allan Hahn and a team of researchers from the University of Canberra’s Research Institute for Sport and Exercise.
• Box’Tag. This is a low-contact variation of boxing that focuses on speed, skill and scoring points. It uses an automated scoring system with sensors embedded in gloves and a vest worn by competitors. Box’Tag is an inclusive program that can be mixed gender competition with scoring restricted to the ‘target zone’ of the torso and upper arms, excluding the head of the opponent.
  • The ModBox Community Coach Presenter's Kit, Paul Perkins, (2016).
  • Technological foundations and current status of a modified, low-risk form of competitive boxing (Box'Tag®), Allan G. Hahn ,Richard J.N. Helmer, Colin Mackintosh, Laurie M. Staynes and Ian Blanchonette, Sports Technology, Volume 4(3-4), pp.178-184, (2011). Boxing-related activities are commonly used for fitness enhancement, but for many people fear of injury precludes participation in competitive boxing. Over the past six years, technological developments have contributed to the emergence in Australia of a modified, low-risk form of competitive boxing called Box'Tag®.

• Jack Attack. Jack Attack is a fun and fast-paced format of lawn bowls, aimed to encourage participation with non-bowling members of the community. It is a modified version from the traditional form of lawn bowls, with three players per team who each deliver their two bowls within an end, aiming to get as close as possible to the jack. Teams complete two sets of five ends to determine a winner, and should the sets be even, a sudden-death tie-break will be played. It’s all over in 60-75 minutes!
• Rookie Rollers. This Bowls Australia participation product is designed to enable children, elderly, or those who have an impairment, who may have difficulties holding regular heavy bowls or playing across a full-sized green. It is great for beginners unfamiliar with the bowls delivery technique and is excellent for diverse and multicultural audiences. Importantly, it can be conducted on a range of surfaces, including greens, carpets, concrete, wooden floors and just about anything else that is flat, which removes the restrictions of requiring a bowling green to introduce new audiences to the sport. The Rookie Rollers initiative comes in the form of a kit that includes a carry bag, 32 light-weight rubber bowls, eight jacks, 50 cones, a target score mat, eight small target hurdles, eight stepping mats and 36 activity cards.
• Roll Back the Clock aims to boost physical activity rates among Australians aged 65 and over through bowls, light exercise and education.
• Sporting Schools. Rookie Rollers is designed to enable students to learn to play bowls in an engaging format which is both fun and inclusive. Importantly, it can be played on almost any flat surface including greens, carpets, concrete and wooden floors, allowing easy access and an introduction to the sport.
  • With the support of Deaf Sports Australia, Bowls Australia can also facilitate an Active Deaf Kids program through Sporting Schools.

• Cricket Australia's Cricket Blast programs include:
  • Junior Blasters. Entry level participation program for 5-7 year olds. The program is dedicated to helping kids learn how to play cricket and have fun in a safe environment. Activities are designed to be inclusive, action-packed and well organised to help children develop social skills, physical fitness, sportsmanship and basic cricket knowledge. To ensure the safety of all participants, we use plastic bats and a rubber ball. Activities use softer balls of different sizes, as well as blind cricket balls, so kids can participate and develop at their own pace.
  • Master Blasters Program. An action packed program for Australian kids, aged 7-10 years old, of all abilities who are ready to play short games of cricket in a fun and social setting. To ensure the safety of all participants, we use plastic bats and a rubber ball. Activities use softer balls of different sizes, as well as blind cricket balls, so kids can participate and develop at their own pace.
  • Pop-up Blast. Come and try your hand at cricket with our accelerated 4-week introductory program – offering the best of Woolworths Cricket Blast. Recommended for kids aged 5-10 of all skills and abilities. To ensure the safety of all participants, we use plastic bats and a rubber ball. Activities use softer balls of different sizes, as well as blind cricket balls, so kids can participate and develop at their own pace.
  • Anywhere Blast. Designed to make sure every child has access to fun and engaging cricket activities, even if you don’t have a cricket bat or ball at home. The program features a list of our top activity ideas that use everyday household items to make it easy to have fun anywhere!
• Blind cricket. Australia developed the game of Blind Cricket, a sport which is now played throughout the world. The game had its beginnings in 1922 in Melbourne, Victoria where it was first played at a hostel in Prahran, a suburb of Melbourne. At the time of a Test Match, two residents thought blind people could play cricket as well, and put rocks in a tin can and began to play a crude version of what we play today. The game was then introduced to other States in Australia and was mainly played during lunchtime at workshops where vision impaired people were employed
• Sporting Schools. Cricket Australia offers Sporting Schools packages to both Primary and Secondary Schools.
  • Woolworths Cricket Blast. Cricket Australia programs for primary schools use a ‘learn through play’ philosophy and culminate with modified T20 games like a Woolworths Cricket Blast program.
  • Cricket Australia offers two curriculum aligned, engaging and inclusive programs for secondary school students in Year 7 and 8 that use cricket as the vehicle for promoting movement and physical activity.
    • Cricket Skills and Games is an exciting new teacher or coach delivered program that allows students to learn through movement by using modified games for skill development. The final week of the program consists of modified T20 games which are designed by the students themselves.
    • Female Cricket Health and PE program for Year 7 and 8 secondary school girls. The program is designed with a holistic view of physical activity which contributes to social, physical and community well-being. It also promotes a positive and safe learning environment with reduced barriers to participation for female students.
  • All Abilities Cricket Program is an adapted program designed by Cricket Australia in partnership with Special Olympics Australia, catering for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. Coaches are purposefully trained to deliver in special education environments and to adapt activities to suit the needs of participating students.
  • With the support of Deaf Sports Australia, we can also facilitate an Active Deaf Kids program through Sporting Schools.

• Gateball is a mallet sport similar to croquet. It is a fast-paced, non-contact, highly-strategic team game, which can be played by anyone regardless of age or gender. Gateball is played on a rectangular court 20 metres long and 15 metres wide. Courts are generally grass, but can also be clay, gravel or concrete. Each court has three gates and a goal pole. The game is played by two teams (red and white) of five players. A game of gateball lasts for 30 minutes. The winner is the team that has the most points at the end of the game.
• Golf Croquet is the fastest growing version of the sport of Croquet. This is due mainly to its simplicity to learn and play, however there is a certain amount of strategic skill required to be successful.

• Ride Nation. Ride Nation Schools is AusCycling's fun and interactive learning experience that teaches young people to develop their riding skills and confidence – supporting kids in their independence and giving parents peace of mind.
• She Rides is a suite of introductory riding programs that focuses on building fitness, developing skills and creating a social riding community of women.
• Come and Try. Come and Try sessions give you the opportunity to try a club or discipline across BMX, mountain biking, track, cycle-cross or road under the guidance of experienced coaches. These sessions are run by clubs or AusCycling, and are generally free or a small cost. No membership is required, and you be will covered with the same benefits as 4 Week Free Trial members.
• Adaptive Mountain Biking. Off-road handcycling is one form of Adaptive Mountain Biking. It is focused on riders who have limitations riding a standard, up-right, leg powered mountain bike.
• Sporting Schools. Ride Nation Schools (primary and secondary school programs available) links with the national PDHPE curriculum which allows teachers to extend the lessons from the coaching sessions into the classroom.

• Pony Club encourages young people to learn to ride, it is focused on riding instruction and fun. Pony Club has become the largest association of riders in the world.
• Ready Set Trot. Consists of two sub-programs that allow for flexible delivery to reach all young Australians – the Ready Set Trot Stable Skills program, a beginners learn to ride program; and the Ready Set Trot Playground Skills program, active-play games and activity sheets that can be delivered without needing and actual horse.
• Sporting Schools. Equestrian Australia have a range of package options to suit individual school’s needs and can cater for both primary and secondary school programs.

• The Australian Flying Disk Association administers its primary sport ‘Ultimate’ frisbee and lists a number of other official and unofficial sport derivatives.
• Sporting Schools. The Ulti-Mates program introduces primary school children to the fun, inclusive and growing sport of ultimate frisbee. Through modified games, Ulti-Mates introduces students to movement skills including throwing and catching a frisbee. Students will also develop a strong foundation in teamwork and fair play skills through an introduction to Ultimate Frisbee’s unique ‘Spirit of the Game’ concept.

• 5-A-Side. Each team fields five players (four outfield players and a goalkeeper), with matches played on a smaller pitch, with smaller goals and a shorter game duration.
• 7-A-Side. Played on a half-size pitch (approx), GO Sevens has a big emphasis on fun, in a format that gives everyone the opportunity to touch the ball more often. Best of all, it is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. GO Sevens is perfect for those that can't commit to a full winter season, or for existing teams in traditional winter competitions to keep their skills up year round.
• Futsal. A high intensity, fast paced, dynamic, non-violent and enjoyable 5-a-side version of football that caters for both male and female participants. It is the only 5-a-side version of football officially recognised by FIFA, and is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Futsal is played on a smaller, hard-court surface and usually indoors, making it the perfect sport for all weather conditions.
• MiniRoos. MiniRoos is designed for kids of all abilities, aged 4-11 years. The nation-wide initiative uses short, game-based sessions to introduce the sport of football to newcomers in an inclusive way. It focuses on learning new skills, being active, making life-long friends and, potentially, unearthing the next generation of Socceroos or Westfield Matildas.
• Powerchair football. A modified version of soccer for electric wheelchair users. It is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. There are two teams of four players (including the goal keeper).
• Soccer Mums. An initiative of VicHealth is proudly presented by Football Victoria. An introductory soccer program designed specifically for women, where you have fun, meet new people and learn basic football skills without knowing it.
• Walking Football. Walking Football is a small-sided, low-impact, modified version of the game, suitable for all levels of ability and fitness, from people who are returning to sport after a break or those who’ve never played before. The national Walking Football programs are run in partnership with Active Ageing Australia and Member Federations offering a social, small-sided and sustainable version of football specifically modified for older Australians, in metropolitan, regional and remote locations.
  • Walking Football [video]. Play the game you love but reduce the chances of injury. It's a great way to keep fit, learn skills, have fun and socialise all at the same time!
• Sporting Schools. Football Australia offers several programs for Sporting Schools, MiniRoos Kick-Off for primary schools and Secondary School Football as well as Futsal for primary and secondary school students.
  • The Football In Schools Inclusive program is an adapted version of the MiniRoos program, catering for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. It has been designed by Football Australia in partnership with Special Olympics Australia for delivery in special education environments. Coaches are purposefully trained and provided with additional resources to deliver inclusive programs and to adapt activities to suit the needs of participating students.

• LaunchPad is the suite of junior recreational gymnastics programs your child to enjoy. LaunchPad gymnastics promotes and encourages the importance of developing fundamental movement skills at a young age. With four, nationally accredited programs specifically designed for children aged 0 to 12, there is a LaunchPad program for every child. Delivered in both gymnastics clubs and schools, LaunchPad gymnastics programs are all about providing your child with what is known as fundamental movement skills; the skills needed to live active lives.
• KinderGym is Gymnastics Australia’s fundamental movement program for children aged 0 – 5 years old and their families.
• AEROSchools. An Aerobic Gymnastics participation program delivered within schools by teachers or qualified fitness instructors, supported by an event scheme that enables students to also become members of Gymnastics Australia. AEROSchools is aimed at children and youth (males and females) aged between 5 to 18 years of age.
• FreeG. First developed by British Gymnastics, FreeG fuses traditional gymnastics and acrobatic tricks, with kicks and leaps made famous through martial arts and brought to worldwide attention by festival performances and stunt actors.
• Team Gym. TeamGym combines parts of tumbling, mini tramp and dance to create an exciting team competition event. You get to flip, roll, jump and dance with your friends. TeamGym is a useful program for clubs to retain members in a team event which encourages individual skill development and team work. The program is split into novice, intermediate and advanced levels and has the potential to incorporate harder skills depending on coach and gymnast competencies.
• Fitter for Life Gymnastics. Targeted at mature-aged participants, Fitter for Life aims to improve your mobility, strength, balance, coordination and flexibility in a fun, social and welcoming environment.
• GymAbility is an umbrella brand for all initiatives within Gymnastics Australia, State Association members and clubs that seek to include people with disabilities in any capacity within gymnastics, including as an athlete, coach, judge, volunteer or other.
• Sporting Schools. Gymnastics Australia offers flexible primary and secondary school programs to meet the individual needs of schools and encourage children to participate in this great sport.
  • The LaunchPad inclusive Gymnastics program has been developed through the partnership with Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia. The highly popular LaunchPad Gymnastics program has been reviewed and adapted to cater for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. Our coaches delivering the program have undertaken training with Special Olympics Australia to meet the needs of the participants.

• Mini handball is the best ways to develop a child’s natural motor skills, balance, and coordination. The game is easy to learn because it only requires natural skills: running, jumping, catching, throwing, balance. What makes the sport especially fun for children is that it is relatively easy to experience success, through scoring goals, saving shots or just making a good pass. Most importantly, the game makes it very easy for everyone in the team to contribute equally and have fun.

• Indoor hockey differs from outdoor hockey in a number of ways. There are fewer players in an indoor hockey team with teams comprising a maximum of 12 players with only five, including the goalkeeper, allowed on the pitch at any one time and up to seven substitutes. The field of play is much smaller, a hard surface in a sports hall or similar venue, with boards along the sidelines that prevent the ball from going out of play at the side.
• Hockey Sixers. Hockey Sixers is fast, fun, free-flowing hockey. Played on a smaller pitch, with padded walls the ball is always in play. We have competitions in Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, and Open Age Groups. Junior Sixers version also available.
• HookIn2Hockey. Hockey Australia’s national junior program. Hookin2Hockey gives young boys and girls (10 years and under) the opportunity to learn the basic skills of hockey, develop fundamental motor skills and make friends all while beginning their lifelong love of hockey!
• J-Ball. JBall is a new and easier way to play hockey! JBall uses a lighter stick and ball making It easy for anyone! There are 3 different versions, Classic JBall, JBall for juniors and Walking JBall.
• KE40 is a short 45-minute based fitness program where you learn the basics of hockey and get your workout in!
• Have A Hit Hockey is designed by youths for youths. It is a social, relaxed version of hockey that gives you the freedom to choose how you want to play the game. Through Have A Hit Hockey we will set up a positive, social environment where you can meet up with friends and have fun on and off the hockey pitch.
• Electric wheelchair hockey. A modified version of ice hockey for electric wheelchair users, commonly known as “Powerhockey”. The sport is played on an indoor basketball court. There are two teams of five players.
• Sporting Schools. Hookin2Hockey - Schools has been developed to give children aged 5 - 12 a fun environment in which to learn the game of hockey and perfect the skills in a modified game-based program.

• Judo 4 Kids is an eight-lesson introductory program combining fun and physical activity for children along with the learning of fundamental judo techniques, terminology and values; including friendship and respect, that will stay with them throughout their lives.
• No Limits Judo offers people with diverse and special needs the opportunity to participate as productive and respected members of the Judo Australia community.
• Sporting Schools. Judo Australia’s Judo4Kids program caters for children in Years 3-6 and is expertly designed to cater for all stages of physical, social and cognitive development.

• Quick Stix. A modified lacrosse for primary and high school students. Primary school students are able to engage in Quick Stix through Involve and Invade programs and Secondary Students can do the same with Quick Stix 3x3.
• Sixes. World Lacrosse officially launched the 6v6 format in 2021 to support and encourage the continued growth of lacrosse worldwide and to be potential future Olympic sport. Played on a smaller field than field lacrosse, has 4 x 8 minute quarters and after gaining possession a team has 30 seconds to shoot the ball.
• Sporting Schools. Lacrosse Australia's Quick Stix program is a free-flowing form of lacrosse for primary and secondary school students to start learning the game.

• Biathle. A development sport of Modern Pentathlon invented to create opportunities to train Running and Swimming parts of Pentathlon in real race conditions. It can also be seen as a sport in its own right.
• Triathle. A development initiative by UIPM where athletes compete in a shoot-swim-run competition. Triathle made its debut on international stage at the UIPM Biathle-Triathle World Championships 2013 in Cyprus. It is now part of the UIPM Biathle-Triathle National Tour organized in all regions of the world.
• Tetrathlon. This is the last step before full Modern Pentathlon. It is composed of 4 out of the 5 disciplines of Modern Pentathlon: Swimming, Running, Shooting and Fencing. All 4 events take place on the same day.
• Laser Run combines Running and Shooting in fast-paced and dynamic races including four rounds of laser pistol shooting from 3 to 10 meters distance and four times run from 200m to 800m. Athletes have to hit in the green a target 5 times before they can run.

Ricciardo’s Racers is for kids aged 12-17 learning the basics of motor sport building their skills through fun driving exercises in provided cars. The exercises are designed for small groups to ensure that every child gets a chance to learn new skills from our expert instructors in a safe environment. After they have mastered the basics of car control, they will be ready to progress to participate in club level events. Ricciardo’s Racers Junior Drive Days are set up to cater to all skill levels, with individual instruction tailored to a participant's driving experience.

• NetSetGO. Netball Australia’s official starter program for kids aged 5 to 10. It’s a chance to learn the netball basics, get outside and make some friends.
• Fast 5 Netball. Each team has only five players on the court. There are different scoring zones, rolling subs, and the quarters are shorter. Players can even double and triple their points with Power Plays and Super Shots. It’s fast, tactical, and a lot of fun.
• Rock Up Netball. Rock Up is for people (aged 14+) who want to avoid ‘hardcore’ competition. It’s a social netball program that lets you ‘pay to play’. You can sign up for some training drills, join a Play Festival with your workmates, or have some fun in a mixed comp. It’s about fitness, fun and flexibility. Medals and glory, not so much.
• Walking Netball. A modified version of netball designed for senior women and men - netball, but at a walking pace. Walking Netball will improve your health outcomes by helping you stay active and social, regardless of fitness or age.
• Sporting Schools. Primary School Program: NetSetGo. Secondary School Program: Fast5 Netball.

• Sporting Schools. Orienteering Australia offer a range Sporting Schools program packages that can be customised according to the age and experience of the students, as well as the number of lessons required. Primary (Years 3-6) and Secondary (Years 7-8) Schools Programs give school students the opportunity to be involved in a fun, safe and inclusive, modified orienteering program in their school environment.

• Paddle Oz Program. Designed to provide young people with an enjoyable introduction to paddling that encourages lifelong participation. Experiential learning through participation in games and activities is the focus of the programs including: Paddle starter; Paddle discovery; Paddle ball; Paddle action; and, Paddle adventure.
• Sporting Schools. Paddle Oz programs are designed to provide secondary school aged young people with an enjoyable introduction to paddling that encourages lifelong participation. Experiential learning through participation in games and activities is the focus of the Paddle Discovery and Paddle Ball programs.

• Indoor rowing in its simplest form is rowing on a rowing machine. Recognised for its efficient, full body, physical and mental benefits, indoor rowing is not limited by size, shape, ability or skill level, which informs our tag line for indoor rowing: ‘anyone, anywhere, anytime’.
  • GRow Program. Rowing Australia’s GRow program is focused on getting the inactive active, in the increasingly popular activity of indoor rowing. Over 6 sessions, participants will learn the benefits of using an indoor rowing machine, improve technique, and identify opportunities to continue with their more active lifestyle well after the program has finished. Rowing Australia’s four targeted groups for this program are: new mothers; inactive adults; youth in secondary schools; youth in custody at Youth Correctional Centres (YCC).
• Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprints is an extreme version of rowing and involves rowing along a sea coast and out into the sea. It can also be done on large lakes and other bodies of water. Coastal Rowing is one of the fastest growing communities of rowers as the type of boats used mean that flat water is not required, as such the global opportunities are much greater. There are two event types that fall under coastal rowing, one is the endurance event which ranges between 4 – 6km around buoys in the sea / ocean, the other event that is known as “Beach Sprints”. As the name suggests the race begins on the beach with a rower running out to the boat to its’ waiting crew race around two buoys and back to the beach to the finish line. With Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprints a confirmed event at the 2022 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and being considered for the 2028 Olympic Games, we expect the interest in this form of the sport to grow significantly. It opens new opportunities for athletes around the country be be involved in the sport.
• Sporting Schools. The Riggers programs seek to develop the skills necessary to row, using either indoor rowing machines (years 5-8) or traditional on water boats (years 7 and 8).

• Munchkin League. Munchkin League is an early childhood development program with a rugby league twist, designed for children aged 3-5 years old, welcoming all abilities and skill levels.
• NRL Masters. Masters Rugby League provides an opportunity for players and officials aged 35 and over to continue their involvement in the game in a safe and enjoyable way. Like other age groups, games are played under modified rules to ensure players can compete in a safe environment and get the most out of their experience.
• Wheelchair Rugby League is an inclusive sport, and is a variation of the running game that allows athletes with disabilities to compete with and against able-bodied people.
• Sporting Schools. NRL offers participants the NRL Sporting Schools program for primary schools and the NRL League Integrated Fundamentals Training (LIFT) for secondary schools.
  • Rugby League for All is an adapted version of the Rugby League (NRL) program, catering for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. It has been designed by NRL in partnership with Special Olympics Australia for delivery in special education environments. Coaches are purposefully trained and provided with additional resources to deliver inclusive programs and to adapt activities to suit the needs of participating students.

• Try Rugby Kids Pathway. The aim of the TryRugby Kids Pathway for U6 to U12 players is to provide a series of age-specific modified rugby games. These modified rugby games progressively develop the individual skills, fitness and team work of all players in accordance with their physical maturity and understanding of the game.
• Modified Rugby Program. The world-first Modified Rugby Program (MRP) was set up through the GingerCloud Foundation in 2014. Their goal is to encourage more children and young adults with learning and perceptual disabilities to play rugby through their touch-only format.
• Sevens Rugby. It’s speedy, skilful and social. It’s two seven-minute halves with seven players per team. And it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
• Touch 7s is all about having fun with friends and family while playing a non-contact version of the game in good spirit.
• Wheelchair Rugby was developed in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1976, as a quadriplegic equivalent to wheelchair basketball. The sport was originally called “Murderball” due to the aggressive nature of the game. It is a contact sport where collisions between wheelchairs form a major part of the game.
• Sporting Schools. Rugby Australia offers a variety of programs for primary and secondary school children including:
  • Get into Rugby is a fun and inclusive skills based program which provides primary students and secondary students in years 7 and 8 with their first taste of rugby.
  • Touch 7s introduces primary students and secondary students in year 7 and 8 to the skills and core values required to play Touch 7s.
  • Play 7s is aimed at upper primary and secondary students that are interested in learning the specific skills and competencies on how to play Rugby 7s.

• Tackers. A fun, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7 to 12. Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience and they don’t have to be a member of a club to participate. All the equipment, including the boats, is provided.
• OutThere Sailing. Created for 12-17 year olds who want to try sailing in a non-competitive, social and fun setting. OutThere Sailing is the perfect way to have fun on the water without any long term commitment.
• Sailability is a program available at some sailing clubs that offers an additional level of support, an established network of volunteers, and equipment to assist people of all-abilities to get into sailing.
• Sporting Schools. Tackers is a learn to sail program that caters for children aged 7 - 12 and is delivered at recognised Tackers centres. There are four different OutThere Sailing programs aimed at 12 - 14 year old secondary school students wanting to experience sailing in a non-competitive, social and fun environment.

• Active Target engages people from all areas of the community into a fun, friendly and uniquely physically active experience through the use of laser pistols and rifles. The primary aim of the activity is to promote the sport of target shooting to the community in a method that is non-threatening and engaging. The project will involve a 30-minute laser pistol/rifle activity that includes various exercises with shooting at stationary targets. This activity is a modified version of a current international competition.
• Target shooting for the vision impaired uses standard shooting equipment with a special electronic audio aiming device fitted to the gun. The aiming device detects the point of aim of the gun relative to the target and provides the shooter through headphones different tones indicating the point of aim. Also, within a competition a VI shooter is permitted an assistant to provide information such as the position of shots which have been taken. Through these adaptations a VI shooter, regardless of amount of sight, can achieve an accuracy comparable to a fully sighted shooter.

• SkateFIT. This program has been specifically designed to provide a smooth and safe progression through the skills that are required to get FIT, have fun, and become a competent and successful roller skater. The program includes both quad and inline skates and has been designed based on a wide variety of coaching methods and proven programs. The main aim of SkateFIT is to increase physical activity amongst skaters and the general population as a fun way of exercising in a social environment.

• Softball Batter Up. This is an eight session program for children 4 to 12 years of age to introduce them to the sport of softball. The program is offered at four different levels, introducing the fundamental skills of softball and ensuring maximum participation and enjoyment. The program has been designed to be flexible in its delivery, based upon the individual abilities and experience of participants. Softball Batter Up can be used as an introductory program for kids who have never played softball before, as a holiday program, or as training sessions for young softballers.
• Social 7s. Some of the variations that make Social 7s a fast, fun and easy game include: teams only require seven players; every player bats each inning; ball is pitched slower, leading to more hits and fielding; average game length of 50 minutes; high scoring – every base gained is worth a run; a new pitcher in each inning; a ‘strike zone mat’ is used – if the pitch lands on the mat, it is a strike; no umpire required – a game coordinator is responsible for scoring and adjudicating on close plays.
• Fully Loaded Softball is a new format of softball that puts the pressure and excitement in games from the first pitch. A more exciting, faster format with big scores, more home-runs and more edge of your seat, white knuckle moments.
• Sporting Schools. Softball Batter Up, is a multi-session program primarily for children aged 4 - 12 years of age.

• OzSquash is a fun, play-based program designed to develop children’s hand-eye coordination, striking and other sporting skills essential for squash, life-long health and wellbeing.
• Para Squash. Squash Australia is committed to ensuring squash is an inclusive, respectful and safe environment to participate in. Integrity, inclusiveness, safety and respect are core values within the organisation and we ensure that these values are reflected through the people and the work that we do.
  • Wheelchair Squash is a fast paced, fun and engaging activity. Upon trials at the National Squash Centre, we experimented with the types of racquets and balls used. The players found that normal length racquets were best for reach, but opted for a racquetball style ball with higher bounce. They also adapted to allow two bounces per rally similar to wheelchair tennis.
  • Squash for the hearing impaired has no major differences in regards to the physical game play. The main difference is in the scoring with scorers using flip boards to display the score or signing the numbers to the players.
  • Other opportunities within the para-squash space include: Squash for the Visually Impaired; Squash for Amputees; Squash for those with mental disabilities.
• Racquetball is played with different equipment but generally on the same court as squash and is very closely related. The different equipment such as larger racquet head and larger bouncier ball makes racquetball a slightly easier game for beginners to pick up than squash.
• Social Squash is time efficient, fun and social. The program is developed to match up players of similar capability in a pay as you go type program both social and competitive.
• 20Twenty. Launched in 2016, 20Twenty is a timed competition format offered for both squash and racquetball where players will each get to play 20 minutes of singles and 20 minutes of doubles and finish at a set time.
• Cardio Squash. Nationwide fitness community brining squash and team training to squash players and the broader community.
• Pop-up Squash. The Pop-Up Squash shop is aimed at introducing and reactivating people to physical activity through squash and it transforms valuable empty retail space into a temporary street squash court.
• Interactive Squash features both training and game modules making it the perfect addition to squash centres. The modules are designed to increase enjoyability, fun, accuracy and fitness through a new and innovative way of playing squash. Combining 13 training modules and 19 games, the Interactive court is sure to suit every players needs.
• Sporting Schools. The OzSquash Sporting Schools program for primary schools consists of four or five ACHPER approved 45 minute to one hour lessons.

• Nippers. A junior activities program that introduces children aged 5 to 14 to Surf Life Saving. It’s a great way for children to make friends, be active and learn how to enjoy the beach safely. Nippers first learn about surf awareness and safety. As they progress through the various age groups, nippers will undergo lessons in wading, running, ocean swimming, board paddling and lifesaving skills as well as learning the basics of resuscitation and first aid.
• Silver Salties is a participation program for older Australians (65+years) at Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout Australia, promoting physical activity, social connections, and involvement in the surf lifesaving community. Adults 18+ are welcome to participate, however, adults 65+ are the target audience.
• Sporting Schools. READY. SET. RESCUE. is designed to introduce children to basic water and beach skills involved in Surf Life Saving surf sports in an active, fun and engaging way.

• SurfGroms. The SurfGroms program is available exclusively through licensed Surfing Australia Surf Schools. It has been designed for children ages 5-12 years in two categories, MiniGroms (ages 5-8) and SuperGroms (ages 9-12). The program offers a series of surf lessons that total 8-12 hours of coaching.
• Surfing Mums. Surfing mums fosters a love of the ocean. You can be a total novice or have been riding waves for a while. You can surf, body board, SUP, go for a beach run or do some laps in the ocean pool.
• Adaptive Surfing. Like regular surfing, adaptive surfing involves the surfer paddling out and riding a wave towards the shore. Adaptive surfing can occur wherever there are suitable waves, this is mainly in the ocean however can also be done in lakes, river and through artificial waves. Surfing requires the use of a surfboard. Adaptive surfing allows for modifications to be made to the surfboard so that it can be properly used and safe for the surfer.
• Sporting Schools. SchoolGroms consists of a variety of activities, games and lessons that cater to all age groups, however, there are two key age groups with learning materials to suit. The MiniGroms program is available for children aged 5 - 8 years and SuperGroms for children aged 9 - 12 years.

• Sporting Schools. Swimming Australia supports primary schools to source their own program providers to deliver their Sporting Schools program, as there is a broad range of swimming and water safety programs across Australia.

• Spinneroos. Over the 8-weeks, the children will learn all the basic skills necessary to enjoy a great game of table tennis…backhand, forehand, serving, and so on.
• Vision Impaired Table Tennis (also known as Swish) is like playing table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over the net, the ball is hit under the net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a certain height so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. The ball has bells in it to make it audible and it is about the size of a tennis ball and made of plastic with holes in it; and the bat is rectangular with a handle.
• Sporting Schools. The Spinneroos program can be delivered by a teacher at your school or an endorsed table tennis coach. The teacher delivered programs utilises the comprehensive Spinneroos 8-week lesson plans, which include detailed activity cards, skill progressions and modifications, game sense tips and reflection questions to support student development.
  • With the support of Deaf Sports Australia, we can also facilitate an Active Deaf Kids program through Sporting Schools.
  • Inclusive Spinneroos in Schools program is an adapted version of the Spinneroos program, catering for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. It has been designed by Table Tennis Australia in partnership with Special Olympics Australia for delivery in special education environments. Coaches are purposefully trained and provided with additional resources to deliver inclusive programs and to adapt activities to suit the needs of participating students.

• Taekwondo Kickstarters is a modified taekwondo program, developed by Australian Taekwondo, for delivery in schools. The program is designed to create a level of consistency with respect to curriculum and content to provide schools and participants with a quality taekwondo experience that can be delivered and enjoyed nationally.
• Fighting Falls is a national initiative that uses modified Taekwondo exercises to address a number of specific health issues in Australians over the age of 50, including: falls prevention; cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health; social and psychological wellbeing.
• Sporting Schools. Taekwondo Kickstarters is a a modified taekwondo program for primary school students, developed in collaboration with industry experts and aligned to the Australian Curriculum. The program gives children a fun, first taekwondo experience and encourages children to develop confidence, focus and physical discipline which they can apply in all areas of their lives.

• Tennis Hot Shots is designed for all kids of age and ability. Kids play on smaller courts with modified equipment to make it easier, and more fun to progress. We have lighter racquets, lower nets, and tennis balls that don’t bounce too high – so they are easier to hit and chase down.
• Blind and low vision tennis. Information available on competition and participation pathways from Tennis Australia.
• Wheelchair Tennis. Integrates very easily with the able-bodied game since it can be played on any regular tennis court, with no modifications to the size of the court or the size of rackets or balls. The game follows traditional tennis rules, with the only exception being that the Wheelchair Tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball.
• Cardio Tennis. This is a modified form of tennis designed to improve adult fitness and offer greater social interaction among participants.
• Sporting Schools. Tennis Australia has designed their primary and secondary school programs specifically for the Australian school sector. These programs have educative purpose and support teachers to meet the curriculum needs.
  • With the support of Deaf Sports Australia, we can also facilitate an Active Deaf Kids program through Sporting Schools.

• Bowl Patrol. Originally designed for primary school children – but suitable for participants of all age and ability, it’s designed as an 8 week program that typically starts the second week of each term – but this can be adjusted to suit the needs of our learners.
• Bowl Abilities. An inclusive program designed specifically for older teens and adults with a disability to learn the basic skills of tenpin bowling, socialise and increase activity levels.
• Sporting Schools. Tenpin Bowling Sporting Schools is a four to eight week introductory program designed for primary school children (7 to 12 years), to introduce the fundamental skills of tenpin bowling in a fun and inclusive environment.

• NRL League Touch is an alternate format of Touch Football, which has been jointly developed by Touch Football Australia (TFA) and the NRL. The reintroduction of old-school touch footy rules, such as having a marker and a kick, slow the game down, making it even more accessible to people of all ages and sizes.
• Sporting Schools. There are three types of Sporting Schools Touch Football programs available for primary and secondary school students in Years 7 and 8.
  • With the support of Deaf Sports Australia, we can also facilitate an Active Deaf Kids program through Sporting Schools.

• Indoor Triathlon is an initiative from Triathlon Australia that has been designed and developed to encourage adult participation in the sport of triathlon by people who are currently low or even non exercisers. The program is designed to introduce you to the 3 different Swim - Bike - Run components of triathlon in a safe and supportive environment so that you become more confident about joining them together to complete your first triathlon event.
• TRYstars. Triathlon Australia’s national junior participation program for 7-12 year-olds that encourages kids to get involved in triathlon all around Australia. The Mini-Stars program (7-9 years) exposes participants to movement experiences. The focus is on development of basic movements – agility, balance, coordination, speed, running, jumping, gliding, buoyancy, throwing, catching, kicking and hitting. The Super-Stars program (10-12 years) advances and refines these competencies through further play, practice and triathlon related activities.
• Sporting Schools. TRYstars in Schools programs (Explore for ages 7-9; Learn for ages 10-12) allow children to develop fundamental movement skills and triathlon specific skills and tactics through fun games and activities.

• Spikezone (mini volleyball). Volleyball Australia’s modified version of volleyball and beach volleyball designed especially to increase participation opportunities for primary and early secondary school students aged between 8 and 13 years. A number of changes have been implemented, including: a smaller sized court, lower net height, a softer and lighter ball, fewer players on the court, and slightly modified rules.
• Sitting Volleyball is an adapted game for people with disabilities. It has enjoyed full Paralympic status since 1980. The game is an excellent vehicle for players returning from injury during rehabilitation.
• Standing Beach Volleyball (so-named to distinguish it from Sitting Beach Volleyball) is played on sand with much the same rules and conditions as able-bodied Beach Volleyball that is played at the Olympic Games. The only differences are that teams are comprised of three players and there are special rules relating to time-outs for repair of prostheses.
• Light Volley has been designed to introduce modified equipment and delivery to enable participation and engagement for all. The Light Volley program emphasizes the benefits of universal design with flexible and modified delivery enabling participants of all ages.
• Sporting Schools. Kids Volley and School Volley delivered by Spikezone are designed to introduce students to the game of volleyball. Primary and secondary school programs can be modified to suit various group sizes, skill levels and ages to ensure players have a fun experience while learning the new skills.

• Flippaball. This form of the game is Water Polo Australia’s junior modified water polo program; making learning the skills and playing non-contact water polo fun, social, and safe for all. The FlippaFamily is a suite of programs and packages that give all juniors the opportunity to get involved while also giving flexibility in delivery so there is something for everyone.
• Sporting Schools. FlippaSchools teaches primary school students essential life skills such as water safety, swimming and treading water, hand-eye coordination, cooperation, communication and confidence, through familiar group games and activity for juniors. There are three FlippaSchools packages available through Sporting Schools.

Snow Sports

• Little Shredders is focused on introducing children of all ages to snowsports with the aim of developing children's knowledge, physical preparedness and confidence to go to the snow and participate in Australia's coolest sport.
• Sporting Schools. Little Shredders is based on the hugely popular Burton Riglet product that provides the opportunity for students to learn the basics of snowsports using custom-made modified equipment built specifically for use in the school yard. Little Gliders is based on the successful Nordic Rocks program from North America and uses strap-on skis that can be used on snow, carpet, grass, or synthetic grass.

Biathlon

• The winter sport of biathlon (i.e. combined cross country skiing and shooting) has a junior program run in the summer that consists of mountain bike riding combined with laser-rifle target shooting.