Game version
Push-up pals: take turns doing a push-up while the other counts and cheers. Swap.
Incline Push-Up Progression
Push-ups with hands on a bench, moving lower as you get stronger, until floor push-ups are clean.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Place hands on a bench, body straight from head to heel.
Core: Medium. Stop when your form slips.
- Ages
- 10 to 14
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Small room
- Bring
- Bench, step or sturdy table
- Level · skill
- Developing · Hills & Terrain
The steps
How it works
- Place hands on a bench, body straight from head to heel.
- Lower your chest to the bench with elbows at about 45 degrees.
- Push back up without the hips sagging.
- Do 3 sets of 8; move to a lower surface when all are clean.
Coaching point
Body like a plank, elbows in.
Safety: Good form beats more reps: stop the set when your form slips. Muscles may feel tired; stop if a joint hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Choose a height: Less (higher bench), Core (medium), More (lower). Stop when your form slips.
Story
You are a bridge that goes up and down.
My best
Beat your own count
Stop when your form slips. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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