Route Reading: Preview, Memorize, Climb

Students study a boulder problem from the ground, rehearse the sequence with gestures without touching the wall, and then try to send it on their first attempt. It builds route reading, movement planning and climbing efficiency.

How to play

1. Set 4 problems of 5–7 moves with increasing difficulty ahead of time, with mats under each one.
2. Form 4 groups of 6 and assign one problem to each group; for 1 minute they observe silently from 2 m (6 ft) away.
3. Each student "air climbs" the sequence with hands and feet facing the wall, quietly saying which hand goes to which hold (1 minute).
4. Taking turns, each climber gets one onsight attempt; the group records whether they sent it or on which move they fell (about 3 minutes per problem).
5. After the attempt, anyone who fell explains what they misread and tries once more.
6. Rotate problems every 4 minutes until groups have tried all 4, and finish by comparing which problem was hardest to read.

Rules

• During the preview nobody touches the wall or gives beta.
• Only one climber per problem; everyone else stays off the mat.
• Down-climb or drop feet first with bent knees, never falling backward.
• Every onsight attempt counts, even if the problem isn't finished.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: participate by reading the sequence and coaching another climber, or climb a low traverse problem.
• Visual impairment: allow the student to feel the starting holds and describe the problem verbally.
• Lower fitness: offer a big-hold version of each problem.

Learning goals

• Plan a movement sequence before climbing.
• Connect hold positions with body positioning.
• Reflect on reading errors and correct them.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bouldering wall: 1
• mats: 8

Teacher tip

Reading footholds is the hardest part; have students point to the foot before the hand. Change problems between classes so attempts are truly onsight.

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