Route Reading: Plan It, Then Climb It
In groups of three, students study a taped boulder problem, plan the hand and foot sequence out loud, and mime it from the ground before trying it. They practice route reading, anticipating moves, and comparing what they planned with what they actually did.
How to play
- Before class, tape 4 low boulder problems of increasing difficulty with marked start and finish holds. Form trios and assign each one a starting problem (2 min).
- Reading (2 min): the trio studies the problem from about 6 feet away without touching it. The first climber explains out loud which hand and foot goes on each hold and mimes the moves.
- The second member repeats the sequence from memory to confirm it's understood, and the third member spots.
- Attempt (2 min): the climber tries the problem. Topping out on the first try scores 3 points; on the second, 2; on the third, 1.
- After stepping down, the climber explains which move changed from the plan and why. Roles rotate until all three have climbed that problem.
- Trios move to the next problem every 4 minutes and repeat the process; at the end, share the best solutions (2 min).
Rules
- Don't touch the problem until the reading and miming are done.
- Only one climber per problem, and no one stands on the mat underneath them.
- Stick to the taped holds: using any other hold means the attempt doesn't score.
Variations
Easier
Foot holds are also taped, and students may touch the first hold during the reading.
Standard
Two-minute reading, miming from the ground, and three attempts per person.
Harder
The reading lasts only 30 seconds, and the climber may not talk to the trio during the attempt.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: serve as the trio's reader and guide, or climb a version using low holds.
- Autism: provide the sequence drawn on a card to follow a visual order.
- Less experience: only the first two problems; skilled climbers design a variation.
Learning goals
- Anticipate a sequence of moves before performing it.
- Compare the plan with the attempt and adjust decisions.
- Climb while following the wall's safety rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bouldering wall: 1
- mats: 8
- masking tape rolls: 4
Teacher tip
Insist that students mime their feet too: most only plan their hands. Space problems at least 6 feet apart so trios don't overlap.
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