Adapting Games for Different Ages and Stages

A Guide for Every Coach

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I make this drill work for my under-10s?” or “Can this activity still challenge my adult beginners?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re Coach Kerry guiding energetic kids, Coach Dan supporting active adults, or The Curious Coach exploring new coaching horizons, understanding how to adapt games is key to keeping your sessions engaging, effective and inclusive.

Why Age and Stage Matter When Coaching

Not all athletes are created equal – and that’s the beauty of it. Each age group (and stage of development) has different physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. A one-size-fits-all drill could leave younger athletes confused or overwhelm beginners, while boring more advanced participants.

Adapting a drill doesn’t mean dumbing it down – it’s about scaling the challenge to fit the group.

So, How Do You Adapt a Drill?

Here’s a friendly framework you can use, often referred to as the STEP model:

• S  –  Space: Make the area larger or smaller to change intensity and difficulty.
• T – Task: Tweak the rules or goals to include specific focus areas (e.g., only pass with your non-dominant hand).
• E – Equipment: Use lighter balls, cones, benches, or anything else that supports or challenges the skill purposefully.
• P – People: Adjust team sizes or create pairs that foster peer learning.

This model helps you adjust drills on the spot –  even mid-session – to meet the needs of different individuals in your group.

Drills for Kids

Children love fun and variety, but they also need structure and learning through play. Here are some ideas to keep it fresh and develop core skills:

• Keep it game-based: Turn drills into mini-games or challenges (e.g., “clean up the cones” for footwork).
• Use repetition without boredom: Slightly tweak a familiar drill each week to maintain engagement and refine technique.
• Encourage creativity: Ask open-ended questions like “How could you get around the defender without touching them?”

Pro tip: If you’re struggling to manage different ability levels, designate ‘challenge stations’ where kids can pick their preferred level of difficulty.

Drills for Adult Beginners (Coaches Like Dan)

Adults often bring different challenges — such as anxiety about new experiences, or rusty physical skills. But they also bring motivation and life experience. Here’s how to make drills work for adult beginners:

• Start simple, then layer complexity: Begin with basic movement patterns and add game-like constraints over time.
• Use mixed-ability pairings: Pairing newer players with encouraging peers can build confidence and accelerate progress.
• Offer choices: Let adults self-select challenge levels. For example: “You can choose to walk, jog, or sprint this drill.”

Need inspiration? Here’s a helpful piece on designing social and inclusive sport environments.

What About Mixed-Ability or Multi-Stage Groups?

This is the sweet spot for The Curious Coach, but it requires a thoughtful approach. Embrace the challenge by:

1. Creating layered outcomes: One drill, multiple aims – such as focusing on shooting technique for some, and defensive spacing for others.
2. Offering fluid groupings: Allow players to move in and out of groups based on their comfort level and goals.
3. Using constraints creatively: For example, restrict touches for experienced players to level the field without reducing engagement.

This approach aligns with differentiated instruction, a widely respected method used in both education and coaching.

Common Questions on Drill Adaptation

How do I know if the drill is too hard or too easy?

Look for cues: Are players unengaged or overly frustrated? Ask for feedback, and remember that laughter and effort are good signs – silence and stillness, not so much.

What if I have a wide range of abilities?

Group by similar skill levels when possible, or use challenge levels (Level 1 = beginner, Level 2 = confident, Level 3 = advanced). Communicate that choosing an easier or harder option is about smart learning, not ability labels.

How can I manage time pressure when adapting?

Use the STEP model. It makes on-the-fly adjustment easier. Also, plan for flexibility – create 3-4 variations for each drill ahead of time so you’re ready to pivot if needed.

Bring It All Together

No matter your sport or group, successful coaching comes down to meeting your athletes where they are  – and lifting them up, step by step.

Remember, adapting drills isn’t about reinventing the wheel –  it’s about adjusting the ride so that everyone enjoys the journey.