How Was It for You? Guess Your Partner's Rating
2v2 end-zone disc games where, after each round, each student uses a card to guess how their partner felt from 1 to 5, then they compare. It trains empathy and reading others during play.
How to play
- Review the backhand throw and the pancake catch in pairs (4 min).
- Set up 15 x 8 m fields with end zones; play 3-minute 2v2 games (2 min).
- After each game, both partners show two cards at once: their own rating and their guess of the partner's; discuss any gap for 30 seconds (12 min).
- Final round with new partners and opponents to see whether you read new people as well (4 min).
- Reflection: what clues helped you guess? What question could you ask instead of guessing? (3 min).
Rules
- No contact and no stripping the disc; the thrower doesn't move.
- The rating is about how you felt, not how well you played.
- No one has to explain their rating if they don't want to.
- Fields are separated by a 3 m buffer.
Variations
Easier
Only three ratings: bad, okay, good.
Standard
Ratings from 1 to 5 after each game.
Harder
Also guess both opponents' ratings.
Adaptations
- Students with visual impairments: whisper the rating to the partner and play with a ball with a bell instead of the disc.
- Wheelchair users: a shorter field, and the disc may be rolled.
- Reserved students: may always answer with the card, without talking.
Learning goals
- Read another person's emotional state during play.
- Compare your perception with how your partner really felt.
- Improve passing and getting open in 2v2.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flying discs: 8
- cones: 32
- numbered cards: 150
Teacher tip
Make the cards from poster board with large numbers, five per student. If you're short on discs, use foam balls.
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