Movement patterns can be challenging at the best of times. Understanding how to modify activities to suit your child will have a significant impact on their growth and development. 

Modifications can be made by either: 

• progressing - making a movement more challenging as your child’s ability increases
• regressing - making a movement easier when extra support is needed. 

Every child is unique in their personality, their interests and their capabilities. Allowing your child some creative freedom to modify movement based in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable to them. The goal with movement is to keep it fun.  

Example: Push Up modifications 

A regular push-up is performed on the toes and chest to the ground. Not all children may be able to do this movement straight away. 

 Examples of regressions are: 

• dropping to the knees to reduce weight on shoulders and chest
• reducing the range of motion by not dropping the chest down so far
• using a couch or wall to complete push-ups to shift some of the weight to the lower body. 

See the CHANGE IT Principle for more information on how to modify sports to encourage more involvement and active play for your child.