Many Different Skill Levels...

[theinstantclassic]

I am going to be teaching a team sports with sophomores, juniors, and seniors with different skill levels. Any ideas on which sports would even the playing field a little so some students do not get discouraged?

[pingeyez2]

Your best bet would be to modify the rules and adapt to their skill level . For example , to add interest in a volleyball activity ,play off the wall , the lights ,one bounce or anything that adds variety to the game. Involve the class into small sided games and give them the opportunity to try the various modifications. That is , in a wiffleball activity , divide the playing area into thirds divided by traffic cones . In the first grid play actual rules ; in the second grid play for 3 minutes and score as much as you can with no outs( throw to the pitcher to stop their progress around the bases) ; in the third grid have a anything goes activity , which will involve a myriad of skills using a wiffleball ,wooden racquets , kicking a ball , or handball ( fist the ball ). Use different types of balls ,too , per striking implement . The wiffleball game uses a wiffleball , the wooden racquet uses a tennis ball , kick is a kickball and the handball uses a tennis ball , gator ball or volleyball .

The activities chosen can be volleyball , wiffleball/softball speedball , or Tchoukball ,Sepak Takraw,Rugby,Cricket ,etc. Peruse my website from the left pane for the rules and modifications along with the actual game rules .

Gerry Cernicky
http://igreen.tripod.com/gerpe

[weissice]

Every class, even classes of similar age and gender, will have many different skill levels. Remember, classes are not sports teams.

Gerry had some great suggestions.

In addition, play modified invasion and/or striking games. Make sure your students know the similarities and differences in the game's skills and strategies.

Try to stay away from specific sports unit. For a complete explanation go to my web site, click on PE Views and read the pros and cons of unit based instruction.

Howie Weiss
http://www.weissice.com

[theinstantclassic]

for all the suggestions guys.

[KLDavis24]

Every class is faced with different skill levels. Gerry's ideal was great: divide the class into small sided games. Some students need to begin with basic rules, some need a few skills added, and others have mastered the game and need tougher skills added. Most games can be modified for different skill levels.