Three Points of Contact Bouldering
On a low bouldering wall, students climb moving only one limb at a time, always keeping three points of contact, while a spotting partner calls which limb may move. Students practice basic climbing technique, balance, and safe progress on a wall.
How to play
- Explanation (3 min): the teacher shows the three-points-of-contact rule and why it gives stability: hips close to the wall and weight on the feet.
- In pairs, one climber and one spotter; the climber starts a traverse with hands at shoulder height and feet no higher than 3 feet off the ground.
- Guided round (5 min): the spotter draws a card (right hand, left hand, right foot, or left foot) and the climber can move only that limb.
- If the climber moves another limb or has two off at once, they climb down under control and restart; the spotter counts the correct moves.
- Free round (5 min): the climber chooses the limb but must say it out loud first; switch roles every 90 seconds.
- Final challenge (4 min): each pair tries to cross the whole wall with the fewest clean moves, then talks it over (3 min).
Rules
- Feet never go higher than 3 feet during the activity.
- Mats cover the whole base of the wall and nobody stands under a climber.
- Come down by climbing down or dropping feet together with bent knees, never backward.
Variations
Easier
Allow free use of all four limbs and just count the moves.
Standard
One limb at a time, called by cards and then chosen by the climber.
Harder
Limit holds to a single color and have the spotter call a card every three seconds.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student practices on wall bars with a bench in front or acts as spotter and records moves.
- Visual impairment: the spotter gives hold locations using clock positions ("two o'clock").
- Skill level: experienced climbers keep straight arms and focus on pushing with their legs on every move.
Learning goals
- Use the three-points-of-contact rule to move with stability.
- Improve balance and leg use while climbing.
- Watch a partner and give useful feedback.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bouldering wall: 1
- mats: 8
- cards: 12
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is pulling with the arms and forgetting the feet, so ask students to look at where each foot goes before moving it. Check that holds are tight before the lesson.
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