Bouldering Add-On Game
In small groups, each climber repeats the sequence of holds created by those before them and adds one new hold at the end, so the route grows every turn. Students practice motor memory, low bouldering technique and cooperation.
How to play
- Pad the base of the wall with mats and mark a 3-foot line that feet may not go above. Make 4 groups of 6, each with its own section of the wall.
- The first climber picks a starting hold for each hand and makes one move to a new hold; they step down and point it out to the group.
- The second climber repeats those exact moves and adds one more hold. There is always a spotter next to the climber.
- If someone forgets the sequence or falls off, the group may coach them from the ground on a second try; if they miss again, the route stays the same and the next climber goes.
- Play for about 15 minutes. Count how many holds each group's route reaches.
- To finish, each group teaches its route to another group and sees if they can climb it all the way in 2 tries.
Rules
- Feet stay below the 3-foot line, and climbers down-climb instead of jumping off.
- One climber per section, always with a spotter.
- Each new hold must be reachable for everyone in the group; no impossible moves just to stump others.
- While someone climbs, everyone else waits off the mats.
Variations
Easier
Feet may use any hold and only the hand sequence is memorized.
Standard
Memorize both hands and feet for every move.
Harder
Each new hold must be more than a hand's width from the last, and the route is climbed in reverse at the end.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student creates the sequence by pointing to holds and coaches the climbers.
- Autism: write the sequence on a nearby whiteboard with numbers next to each hold.
- Low strength: the group picks large holds and caps the route at 8 moves.
Learning goals
- Memorize and reproduce sequences of moves on the wall.
- Set route difficulty so the whole group can keep progressing.
- Use spotting and bouldering safety rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bouldering wall: 1
- mats: 8
Teacher tip
Add-On is a classic climbing gym game and students get hooked fast. Make sure the spotter is focused on the climber, not on studying the route; rotate the role every turn.
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