Invasion Games Modifications

Invasion Games
Soccer
Team Handball
Basketball
(Floor) hockey
Rugby
Ultimate Frisbee
Lacrosse
Speedball
Netball
The modifications listed below incorporate the various strategies (e.g., make scoring
easier) for modifying games to fit the needs of the players for the types of games listed in the
table above. Many of them can be used in combination as well.
Modifications
Reduce number of players on a team.
Differentiated scoring rules.
Soft defense only (e.g., arms length).
Reduce field/court size (e.g., half-court in
Basketball; Team handball).
Shorter-wider field
Allow some steps (Basketball, U-Frisbee).
Larger goals (e.g., entire end-line in soccer)
Equipment changes (e.g., lower baskets;
smaller balls) (Basketball); Shorter sticks
(Floor-Hockey).
Court dimension changes (e.g., move freethrow line closer in Basketball
Multiple goals spread on the end-line (Soccer).
Small goals w. goal crease that cannot be
entered by anyone, and no goalie (soccer;
team handball).
No-steal rule.
Requiring one player to stay on offensive half,
when on defense in own half.

Focus
Reduce games tactical complexity & increase
active game involvement.
Emphasize use of select techniques/tactics
and/or involvement of lower-skilled players.
Give more time and space to player in
possession of ball to make decisions.
Increase active game involvement & reduce
technical/tactical/physical demands.
Emphasize selected offensive and defensive
tactics
Reduce rules complexity, thus increasing
opportunity for success.
Makes scoring easier.
Emphasize proper technique, with scoring
made easier.
Emphasize proper technique, with increase
chance for success
Makes scoring easier, and emphasizes use of
selected offensive and defensive tactics.
Emphasizes selected defensive and offensive
tactics.
Make decision-making easier for player in
possession of ball.
Provide player advantage for offense easier
scoring.

From Complete Guide to Sport Education by Daryl Siedentop, Peter A. Hastie,

and Hans van der Mars, 2004, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.