Bouldering 4x4 Partner Endurance
A school version of the classic climbing 4x4: four easy problems back to back, rest equal to work time, and four sets. Students build forearm endurance, efficient movement, and pacing, with a partner who spots and keeps time.
How to play
- Mark 4 very easy problems or traverse sections per wall section. Form pairs and split the class in half: one half at the wall and the other at the wall bars (2 min).
- At the wall, the climber links the 4 problems without resting on the floor more than 5 seconds between them; their partner spots and records the set time.
- When finished, the climber rests for the same amount of time the set took while the partner climbs. Each student completes 4 sets (10 min).
- At the wall bars, pairs traverse at the same time about 1 foot off the floor with straight arms and relaxed breathing, switching direction every minute.
- After 10 minutes, the two halves switch.
- At the end, each student records the times of their first and last set and rates forearm fatigue from 1 to 10 (2 min).
Rules
- The 4x4 problems must be easy: if someone falls twice on the same one, they switch to an easier one.
- Keep hands below the height line and climb down to get off.
- If you feel pain in your fingers or elbows, stop and tell the teacher.
Variations
Easier
Do 3 problems per set and 3 sets, with rest twice as long as work time.
Standard
Four linked problems, rest equal to work, and four sets.
Harder
Cut rest to half the work time and do one of the problems without using the big holds.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: do the endurance work at the wall bars, seated or standing, with low grips.
- Shy students or those afraid of heights: horizontal traverses close to the floor only.
- Less strength: big holds and two sets; fitter climbers link the problems twice.
Learning goals
- Pace their effort across sets of continuous climbing.
- Climb efficiently with straight arms and weight on the feet.
- Rate their own fatigue using a simple scale.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bouldering wall: 1
- mats: 10
- stopwatches: 6
- wall bars: 6
Teacher tip
Choose very easy problems: the goal is continuous climbing, not difficulty. Let students know that pumped forearms are normal and that water and rest help.
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