Adapting your coaching with the STEP framework

Explore this practical tool to adapt activities to meet the diverse needs of your players.

Space

Adapting the space can make activities more accessible or challenging depending on players' needs.

Adjust the size of the playing area to suit ability. For example, using half the court can simplify movement for beginners, while limiting play to a smaller area (like the back of the court) can sharped accuracy and decision-making for more advanced players.

Change the position of targets or introduce designated zones for specific activities.

Task

Adjusting the tasks involves modifying the rules, objectives, or instructions of the activity.

Simplify tasks by focusing on one skills at a time.

Add complexity for more advanced players by introducing target zones, or adding restrictions like only allowing cross-court shots.

Change scoring systems to reward specfic actions, such as accurate serves or long rallies, or introduce a time pressure to build resilience.

Equipment

Equipment adjustments are often a simple but effective way to ensure participation and progression. They are useful for players of any level to work on different techniques and skills - not just beginners.

Use different ball types depending on ability levels or the outcome you're trying to achieve, like blue or red dot balls for beginners, or sponge balls when developing grip and racket control.

Add cones or targets to increase focus on specific areas of the court.

Incorporate rebound walls to keep more players involved when you have limited or no court space.

People

The number and role of people in a session can be adjusted to support learning and development.

Introduce conditioned roles where one player is an attacker and the other defends, focusing on specific tactics.

Give individual challenges to ensure everyone learns - this is particularly powerful in groups of mixed abilities to keep everyone progressing.

Rotate partners to encourage social interaction and a variety of challenges.

Summary

The beauty of the STEP framework is its flexibility. Whether coaching a diverse group of beginners, or refining skills with advanced players, you can make small adjustments to create an environment where every player is engaged and progressing.