The STEP Model: Adapt a Game One Letter at a Time

The STEP model (Space, Task, Equipment, People) is a tool used in inclusive sport to adapt activities without losing their essence. Each group starts from the same invasion game and must improve it for a given player profile by changing only one letter at a time.

How to play

1. Base game: 4v4 passing to an end zone on 20 × 15 m; play 3 minutes to learn it (4 min).
2. Explain STEP and hand out cards: each group gets a profile (wheelchair user, low vision, low stamina, social anxiety…) and an assigned letter (3 min).
3. Design and test round 1: the group changes only its letter, plays 4 minutes and judges whether that player would be more involved (9 min).
4. Round 2: switch letters and repeat with the same profile (9 min).
5. 30-second pitch per group: which change worked best and whether it changed the game for everyone (5 min).

Rules

• Change only the assigned letter each round.
• The modified game must stay challenging for every player.
• No contact: defend from 1 m with a foam ball.
• Nobody portrays a profile by imitating or exaggerating a disability.

Variations

Adaptations

• Student with an actual disability in class: if they want, they can confirm which adaptations would really help; never ask them to explain their condition.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing student: written cards and a visual signal for the start and end of each round.
• Injured student: group secretary, noting each change and its effect.

Learning goals

• Know and apply the STEP model.
• Design adaptations that keep the challenge.
• Evaluate a change's effect through play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 6
• cones: 24
• hoops: 8
• pinnies: 30
• step cards: 8

Teacher tip

Example changes to steer groups: S (protected zone, smaller field), T (more time on the ball), E (bigger or sound ball), P (numbers advantage, roles). The usual mistake is changing everything at once, so hold them to one letter.

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