Bouldering Project: Break It Down, Rehearse, Send

Each student picks a problem above their level and works it as a project: break it into sections, rehearse the crux and try to send it top to bottom. It's a real climber's strategy for taking on hard goals without getting frustrated.

How to play

1. Pick your project: a problem one color above your hardest send; write it on your sheet (3 min).
2. Read and split: divide the problem into three sections and write the hand and foot plan for the hardest one (5 min).
3. Rehearse by section: work each section on its own starting with the crux, with 2-minute rests (12 min).
4. Link sections: first two in a row, then full attempts (10 min).
5. Log: sections you've got, attempts and a plan for next session (5 min).

Rules

• You can start a section from mid-wall rungs, always with a mat below.
• Max three tries in a row on the same move; then switch sections.
• Feet under 1.5 m.
• Take turns: if there's a line, alternate attempts.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: a partner describes the section and the climber memorizes it aloud before each try.
• Finger injury: project on a big-rung problem focused on footwork.
• Students who get frustrated: the session goal is to own one section, not to send.

Learning goals

• Use a work-in-parts strategy.
• Plan a goal across several sessions.
• Handle frustration on a hard challenge.

Equipment for a class of 25

• wall bars: 10
• gym mats: 10
• colored tape: 4
• log sheets: 28

Teacher tip

Leave projects up for several weeks so there's continuity. The usual mistake is always starting from the ground and never reaching the crux fresh.

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