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Writer's pictureMarije Verheij

It would be fun, they said.

Updated: Jun 8, 2021

Five games you can play at your gym to improve your bouldering. The games are great to broaden your horizonwhen you just started bouldering, but they can also add to your training when you're already a more advanced climber.


I hope these games will add to your fun, your learning and your skills in bouldering!




 

1. Plus One (+1)

You can play this game either on a chaos- or trainingwall or on a wall with many different types of holds on them. It's fun with two people, but it can get very interesting with up to six people.


The Game Pick a starting hold. The first person makes a move and gets off the wall again.

The second person starts at the starting hold, repeats the move of the first player then adds another hold.

You continue like this until someone grabs the wrong hold or you decide the route is finished.


Variation Usually this game is played with 'free feet' meaning you only focus on the handholds and you can place your feet wherever you want to get to those holds. Make the game more difficult by adding footholds.


Of course, you can play this game by yourself as well. That's how you invent new problems!


Improves: reading boulderproblems l memorizing movements l visualizing routes & creativity


2. Minus One (-1)

This games is best played with two people. Try to work together to keep the boulder climbable for as long as possible.


The Game

Pick a low-grade boulderproblem with many holds.

You alternately climb the boulder.

After every climb, you eliminate one hold.

You repeat this cycle as long as you can without 'failing' on the boulder.


Variation Find out what happens when you only eliminate handholds. Or just remove footholds. Or solely all the left or right holds.

How does this affect your climbing?

Improves: 'tall' climbing l route reading l finding alternative bèta l confidence & using friction on the wall



 


3. Fetch the tape

This game is perfect for two players.


The Game Player one gets a piece of tape and sticks it to whatever will be the finish hold. Then they decide what the starting hold will be.

The second player has to go fetch the tape, beginning their climb at the starting hold.

Once the piece of tape is fetched, the other person can set out a new challenge.

A very long traverse, for example!

Variation Depending on the challenge, certain holds can be eliminated.

'Fetch the tape, but don't use the orange holds for your feet'

'Fetch the tape. but you can't use the blue jugs for your hands'


Improves: learning from eachother l getting to know different kinds of holds learning new movements l problemsolving l reading routes & estimating what is within your range of climbing



 


4. Handless slab

You can do this by yourself or make it a competition when climbing together. It also serves as a great way to warm up your feet before starting your session.

The Game Find a slab with loads of footholds and/or elements.

Try to make as many moves without using any holds for your hands. Hoe many steps can you make?

Of course, you are allowed to touch the wall with your hands for friction and balance.


Variation

Do this excercise weekly on the same wall to see progress. It's highly motivating!


Improves: balance l footwork l sense of centre of gravity l trusting your feet & booty


5. Touch of the toe

This game is perfect for a solo training. But you can use it to challenge eachother, too. This one is all about abs. And getting really tired, real fast.


The Game

Pick a boulderproblem that's overhanging.

Before moving you hand to the next hold, first tap this hold with one of your feet.

You decide which foot.

Yes, you'll be upside down a lot during this game.


Variation

Tap the next hold first with your left foot, bring it back down, then touch it with your right foot before moving your hand there.


Improves: strength l abs l 360 coordination l reading routes


 

Hopefully these five games will prove to be fun and playfull variations to your bouldering sessions. Maybe one or more of them will become your favourite routine!

As always: have fun, listen to your body and be kind to your community.


Keep climbing!




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