Tip 4: Age-modified sport formats and equipment

Children are not mini adults! As an important precursor to sport-specific skill development, minimise potential injuries and to ensure a positive learning experience and fun, children should participate in modified versions of a sport that are appropriate to their age, size and skill level.

Some examples of these include:

• ANZ NetSetGo, opens in a new tab features fun and progressive age and skill appropriate formats of netball with modified rules
• MiniRoos, opens in a new tab soccer features small-sided games
• ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, opens in a new tab, where children aged 4–12 play on smaller tennis courts with lighter racquets and low-compression balls
• TryRugby Kids Pathway, opens in a new tab features progressive small-sided games, playing areas and non-tackle formats
• BMX Mini Wheelers, opens in a new tab features balance bikes for riders as young as two

It is critical that children use equipment matched to their size and age (e.g. light and shorter hockey sticks, light and smaller tennis racquets). Matching the right sized equipment reduces the risk of injury and promotes the development and refinement of a child’s sporting skills.

Not a good example of matching the equipment with the participant!

TIP: Insist on the right sport format and equipment

The Australian Government’s Sporting Schools initiative provides a great choice of appropriate sport formats for primary school children before, during and after school. A list of sports offered can be found on the Sporting Schools, opens in a new tab website.

These programmes, informed by contemporary research and practice and delivered by experienced instructors provide a great introduction to sport and lots of fun.

While it might be tempting to buy the latest branded adult-sized equipment used by sporting heroes, you may be limiting skill development and risking injury.

You can:

• Check if your school has registered for Sporting Schools and enrol children in programmes they would enjoy. If a particular sport is not available through Sporting Schools, check out the sport’s website for more information.
• Talk to a sporting goods provider or online about appropriate equipment.
• Allow children to try sporting equipment in the store before purchase.
• Specific to sports such as cricket, tennis and hockey use Gunn and Moore First cricket ball, Wilson Starter Tennis balls or Whiffle balls respectively to slow down the speed of the ball or large tennis balls (Scorcher balls) making it easier for interception.