Teaching Football Skills The Football Pitch In competition, it is important that the rules not be changed to suit athletes’ special needs. However, coaches can modify the training exercises, the athlete’s special needs, their communication and sport equipment to assist athletes in achieving success. Modifying Exercises Modify the skills involved in an exercise so that all athletes can participate. Modifying Your Communication Method Different athletes require different communications methods. For example, some athletes learn and respond better to demonstrated exercises, whereas others require greater verbal communication. Some athletes may need a combination – to see, hear and even read a description of the exercise or skill. Modifications and Adaptations 120 Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004