You Pick My Level: Partner Coaching with Scaling Rules

In pairs, one student trains while the other coaches and sets their level for every set using objective step-up and step-down rules. It's scaling from the outside, and students compare what they'd pick for themselves with what an observer sees.

How to play

1. Sheets and rules: four exercises with four levels each (push-up, squat, band row and plank). Rule: 5 clean reps in a row, go up one level; 2 reps with a technique break, go down one. Before starting, the athlete secretly marks the level they'd pick (5 min).
2. A's round: two 40 s sets per exercise; between sets, the coach applies the rules and calls the next level (8 min).
3. B's round with roles switched (8 min).
4. Compare: each student checks the level they secretly picked against the one they were assigned and talks it over with their partner (4 min).

Rules

• The athlete can veto a level due to pain, no questions asked.
• The coach uses only the rules, no "you can do more" opinions.
• Bands are anchored low and checked before use.
• Stay within your own mat's space.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: squat levels become sit-to-stand from a chair with different amounts of arm help.
• Visual impairment: the coach describes the level in words and lets the athlete touch the equipment.
• Low physical self-esteem: pairs are formed by choice and the secret pick is never shown to anyone else.

Learning goals

• Apply objective scaling criteria.
• Observe someone else's technique rigorously.
• Compare self-perception with outside observation.

Equipment for a class of 25

• scaling sheets: 15
• mats: 15
• gym benches: 4
• resistance bands: 15
• stopwatch: 1

Teacher tip

All the levels fit on one sheet per pair. Some students underrate themselves and others overrate themselves: that contrast is the most useful part, so protect the time at the end.

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