Is it easier to try and teach someone to drift fish with a shorter rod, say 8.6 in length versus a 9 to 9.6 footer?

If the person is an adult then I would say that as long as he has the casting basics down then switch them to the long rod.A long rod is way more versatil.Gives the beginer more controll over there line.The long rod cast with less effort one you figure to load them up.

If the person is younger i would keep them down.I have been teaching the heighbor kid and I started him on a 7'.I gave him an 8'6" and he showed more controll but got tiredhell I get tired with the longrods myself.