Spot the Flaw: Rigged Technique in Groups

Each group prepares a demonstration of a strength exercise with one hidden technique flaw, and the rest of the class must spot and fix it. It covers safe posture during exercise and movement analysis.

How to play

1. Groups of five. Each gets a card: squat, hinge, push-up, band row, plank or lunge, with its key points (2 min).
2. Groups rehearse the correct technique and choose one flaw that is safe to imitate in slow motion (6 min).
3. Demos: one group shows the exercise twice while the others write down the flaw and the fix (10 min).
4. The demo group reveals the flaw, explains why it matters and teaches the correct version to the class (5 min).
5. Wrap-up: shared list of the five most common exercise mistakes (2 min).

Rules

• Flaws are imitated without load, slowly and without forcing any position.
• Comments are about the exercise, not the person.
• Everyone in the group takes part in the demo or the explanation.
• Take turns when guessing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: groups write their fix on a whiteboard or paper.
• Students with limited mobility: serve as narrator or as the coach who corrects the demonstrator.
• Shy students: can contribute in writing or by pointing out the flaw.

Learning goals

• Recognize common posture mistakes in strength exercise.
• Explain why correct technique helps prevent injury.
• Work as a group to teach others.

Equipment for a class of 25

• exercise cards: 6
• resistance bands: 6
• mats: 6

Teacher tip

Check each group's flaw before the demo: no sudden hyperextension or forced positions. The classic problem is picking exaggerated flaws; ask for real, subtle ones like knees caving in or shrugged shoulders.

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