Purpose:
To encourage you to not only look at your routes before you start but begin to anticipate the movements you’ll be doing once you start climbing
Where: VERY easy routes
This drill on incredibly easy routes with a very large number of holds
When: during the Learning Window or Options Section
This drill should be performed as you are nearing the end of the warm up or it can be completed at the end of your session
The Drill:
Select either a very easy climb (literally the easiest in the wall). The aim of this drill is to use the smallest number of climbs that you can.
- Before you climb: stand under the climb and look up at the wall above you. There should be a lot more holds on there than you need. Therefore, before you start climbing, try and predict which holds you will use. Count the holds you’ve used. Gold standard will see you record your expected sequence somehow
[For simple version, concentrate on handholds. For a tougher variation, include footholds too]. - Climb the route: remember you are trying to eliminate as many holds as possible. Climb as it comes naturally, rather than trying to stick to your plan. Tip: consider filming your climb
- After you come down: compare your prediction with your reality. It does not matter if these do not match straight away, this is how we will progress
The Outcome: How do you know when it’s working?
Over time, you should find that your ability to predict movement patterns from the ground improves