Technique Explorations I

These sessions are not intended to be done all at once. Just work on them a little bit throughout your training block, and report anything you learn to me. I will use your feedback to select technical sessions for you to explore further. Ideally, please film some of your explorations, and send me videos to review.

Torso Roll/Pitch/Yaw – https://www.instagram.com/p/CcBVDWgNf_w/

  1. Explore & understand all 3 axes on the ground.
  2. Explore & “find” all the axes while climbing.
  3. Perform reps of easy climbs, focusing your attention on one axis at a time.
  • Do you have any “strong” axes – ways in which your body prefers to move?
  • Do you have any “weak” axes – ways in which your body doesn’t like to move?
  • What sort of moves are preferential to what terrain and movements?
  • Can you predict how your torso will move on a given climb?

Momentum Source

  1. Repeat easy climbs, paying attention to where momentum first starts in your body for a move.
  2. See if you can create momentum from your ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows
  3. See if you can create momentum using a free arm, free leg, or your head
  • Do you have any preferred ways of generating momentum?
  • Do you have any “weak” methods of generating momentum?
  • Which momentum techniques work best on what terrain and movements?
  • Can you look at a climb and guess at how you will generate momentum for a given move?

One-armed & One-legged Climbing

  1. Repeat very easy climbs on easy terrain (slab or vertical) with one arm. Try to repeat each climb twice, switching the arm. Try to stay in balance. Avoid wild movements.
  2. Repeat very easy climbs on overhanging terrain with one leg. Try to repeat each climb twice, switching the leg. Try to climb with control and grace. Use open feet if needed.
  • Where does momentum come from when you climb one-armed?
  • Do you notice any movement deficits when climbing with fewer limbs, such as areas of poor flexibility?
  • Do you rely on more dynamic movement when climbing with one leg?
  • Do you have preferred methods of flagging when climbing one-legged?
  • Do you have a “weak” flag between standard, inside and back-flags?