Purpose:
To help to enhance quick decisions while climbing
Where: wherever you like
This drill can be done in any environment on any hold types although, obviously, the steeper the wall, the tougher this will be.
For this drill to be effective, you will need multiple climbs on the same line. The more lines, the more effective it will be. Often, autobelay lines can present the ideal challenge.
When: during the Learning Window
Climbs should be easy enough to allow thought process but not so easy as the drill feels contrived.
The Drill:
There are two methods of completing this drill: one with a partner, one with a timer and headphones.
- With a partner: begin climbing one climb of the climber’s choice.
At random points during your climb, your partner will shout up “switch!” at which point the climber must change on to a different route. A talented partner will be able to watch the climber and pick appropriate places to make a switch. - Wihtout a partner: the drill is the same but this time, set an interval timer on your phone, preferably connected to headphones so as not to annoy any other climbers in the wall. Set the interval to 20 seconds on repeat. [Note: if 20 seconds is too quick, lengthen to 30 seconds]
When the timer goes off, the climber must switch to a different colour climb and continue.
The Outcome: How do you know when it’s working?
Over time, you should find that the time required to make decisions on any individual move on a normal climb will come down and you will learn to make faster decisions.