Clean climbing technique – yes please! Every climber can easily try these twelve effective exercises in their next session.
The experts from Lattice training They break down good climbing technique into five key components that can be specifically improved: balance, precision, timing, pressure distribution, and judgment. For each aspect, they present technical exercises. We've already compiled our favorites, which we'll try out next time we're at the climbing gym.
Our favorites for balance, precision & more.
- One-handed climbing: It sounds strange, but it helps. What some might know as a temporary solution for an injury can also be used specifically for balance training. By... an straight or positive walls By consciously foregoing the use of one hand, we have to work much more with our hips against the "open door" – the optimal training for situations where there are really few grips available.
- Handles hit: Precisely hitting small holds without multiple readjustments is difficult, but saves a lot of energy and time when climbing. Those who want to train precise gripping can even do so from the ground: Jump to a higher hold with one hand in place, consciously avoiding readjusting. The smaller the target hold, the more difficult. This exercise works best... on overhanging walls.
- Beta forecast: Reading routes correctly is one of the most important skills for any climber. But let's be honest: how often do we start climbing without really having a plan? Those who think through step by step beforehand, considering where and how they want to use the holds, not only improve their "reading ability" but also have a higher chance of success.
For practice, find a boulder problem/route that you can complete on your first attempt, but that still challenges you. The goal is to predict as many movements and body positions as possible and then execute them on the wall. Successfully implemented on the first attemptBy realizing which of our ideas work and which don't, we improve our visualization and judgment skills, as well as our ability to "flash" ideas.
Video: 12 technique drills everyone should try
The video explains all 12 exercises in detail. The best part: You can adapt all the technique drills to your individual climbing level by, for example, first trying them out on routes below your usual difficulty level.
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Credits cover photo: Lattice training