Purpose:
To encourage you to reduce the pressure you may feel when attempting to flash climbs
Where: wherever you like
This drill can be done in any environment on any hold types.
When: during the Learning Window
Climbs should be easy enough to allow thought process but not so easy as the drill feels contrived.
For the sake of your sanity, it may not be ideal to complete this on climbs you are invested in flashing
The Drill:
Select your chosen climb
- As you pull on the first holds, swap out one of the original footholds for another on a different but nearby route
- As you climb, if you feel pressure to complete the route, remind yourself that you ‘cheated’ the first move and technically, the ascent won’t count regardless. This means you are free to explore the route without pressure of sending
- If you complete the climb, ask yourself if you are satisfied with your attempt, despite not strictly complying with the typical rules of the climb
- If you would like to repeat the climb again, this time use the original starting foothold BUT know that you have already completed all of the other moves
The Outcome: How do you know when it’s working?
Over time, you should find that you are better able to handle the pressure that comes with a flash or redpoint attempt on a climb, putting less stock in each attempt