Purpose:
To encourage you to find stable positions on the wall
PLEASE NOTE: this drill was developed as the ‘Selfie Game’ in order to appeal to smaller children (it works really well). You may not be a small child and therefore, adaptions have been made below so you don’t feel as self-conscious in the wall
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.
The Drill:
Select a route at your chosen grade for your Learning Window
- Every third hand move, reach into your pocket, take out your phone* and pretend to take a selfie, putting your phone back when you have finished
- Make three more hand moves (therefore changing to the other hand) and repeat
- NOTE: we want nice, clear selfies, not blurry images, so try your best to remain still while you do
GROWN UP VARIANT: the Selfie is not the important part in this drill, the key is to remove one hand from the wall and interact with something for a prolonged period. Alternatives include chalking up, blowing excess chalk from fingers (called a ‘french blow’ and may be seen as arrogant), scratching one’s nose or even clipping
*LEGAL DISCLAIMER: It is not recommended to use your actual phone, instead replacing with a soft, unbreakable alternative. Using an actual phone comes with added risks. If dropped, your phone may injury someone or become broken. On Prowess sessions, this is completed with a fake, foam phone.
The Outcome: How do you know when it’s working?
Over time, you should find that the body positions you are finding are less strenuous to maintain.