Fundamental movement patterns peer coaching
In pairs, students learn and coach five foundational functional fitness patterns: squat, hip hinge, lunge, push and pull. Using a peer-assessment form and a dowel, they spot errors and improve technique before adding load.
How to play
- Introduce the five patterns and their three key cues, listed on the peer-assessment form (4 min).
- In pairs, practice the squat and hip hinge with a dowel along the back: head, upper back and tailbone must stay in contact (5 min).
- Move on to the lunge and an incline push-up; the partner checks off each cue on the form (5 min).
- Practice the pull with a one-arm kettlebell row, the other hand on a bench (3 min).
- Each pair films one rep of each pattern, reviews it in slow motion and picks one thing to fix (5 min).
- To finish, repeat the lowest-rated pattern with the correction and mark the improvement on the form (3 min).
Rules
- Form first, load second: weight is used only for the pull.
- Feedback is positive and limited to one cue at a time.
- Rest the dowel gently; never push it into the back.
- Videos are deleted at the end of class.
Variations
Easier
Work on three patterns with no video and a teacher demo for each.
Standard
Five patterns with a dowel, peer-assessment form and video review.
Harder
Add a light goblet kettlebell to the squat and hinge once the form checklist is passed.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: work push and pull from the chair and do a seated hinge by tilting the trunk.
- Shyness: skip filming; the partner describes the movement using the form.
- Students with weight room experience: serve as an assistant coach for another pair.
Learning goals
- Perform the foundational functional fitness patterns with correct form.
- Spot technique errors using an observation checklist.
- Prevent injuries by putting form before load.
Equipment for a class of 25
- dowels: 13
- peer-assessment forms: 25
- kettlebells (4 kg / 9 lb): 13
- tablet or smartphone: 13
Teacher tip
The hip hinge is the hardest: tell students to imagine closing a car door with their hips. Keep kettlebells in one designated spot, never in walkways.
PatioLab has "Fundamental movement patterns peer coaching" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for High School
10-20-30 interval running in pairs
The 10-20-30 method strings together 30 seconds of easy jogging, 20 at a moderate pace and 10 at top speed, in five-minute blocks.
1v1 Ball Volley Matches
1v1 ball volley: singles games on a small court with a low net, hitting the ball over the net and allowing one bounce.
2-on-2 Volleyball with Blocker Hand Signals
2-on-2 volleyball modeled on beach doubles: the net player uses hand signals behind their back to tell their partner which area they will block and which the partner…
4-on-4 Volleyball with a Setter and Outside Attack
Small-court 4-on-4 games where each team has a setter at the net and builds the pass-set-hit sequence toward the outside hitter.
4x50 Relay: Blind Handoff in the Exchange Zone
Teams of four learn to pass the baton without looking inside an exchange zone marked with cones, with the receiver taking off at speed so no time is lost.
Acrosport Flow: Linked Stunt Transitions
Groups of four link three simple acrosport stunts, moving from one to the next without fully coming down, with safe builds and dismounts.