Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
| Messages 1 - 11 of total 11 in this topic |
tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 9, 2009 - 01:08pm PT
|
I took the boys to the gym yesterday, and they climbed pretty well for having not been on rock or plastic for several months. But I still note that my 9 y/o would climb a full grade harder if he'd just concentrate on using his feet, vs. flailing wildly or hanging from his arms. Jest telling him to use his feet and pointing out foot holds seems to fall on deaf ears. Maybe I should spend some time boldering with him vs. toproping him.
They managed to get in an hours worth of over hanging gym routes before their arms were fried, so it was a good session and we'll have to make it a more regular occurance.
|
|
Brett Pierce
climber
Colorado Springs
|
|
I have good success with giving people a tennis ball to hold in each hand, and then having them climb an easy slab where they can use the balls for balance but they can't hook a hold with them. It is amazing how good people get doing this after only a few tries.
|
|
Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
|
|
Its just a question of incentive.
Have them boulder above rattlesnakes.
|
|
tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 9, 2009 - 01:30pm PT
|
Well, one of the nice things about Alaska is no snakes. Well, except those in Juneau involved in guvment.
Trouble is everything at the gym is overhanging, and it'll be a few months before real rock will be sufficiently snow free. Also we have a dirth of bouldering areas.
I like the tennis ball idea. I learned footwork in toulemne doing no hands traverses, a lesson that has stuck with me. Plus being out of shape and gravitationally challenged I have to use my feet.
|
|
wtfd
climber
|
|
the tennis ball thing is good, teach em to concentrate on not making any noise when they put their foot on a hold....silent feet = surgical placement....
thats the funniest thing ever....how can you have any pudding if you dont watch your feet?
|
|
Big Breasted Woman
Trad climber
The Brown Crack
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2009 - 08:53am PT
|
Get them on a slab or vertical wall with BIG holds. Then have them climb using all and any holds no higher than their shoulders. I use this technique when teaching my students basic footwork and it's a great exercise. They will get themselves into some off balance positions but just keep stressing to them that they can only use those holds that are shoulder height or below.
Another trick that's fun but works, is for YOU to climb an easy wall with big holds and hang articles of clothing (big jacket, a glove, scarf, a hat etc.) on various holds. Tell the kids as they're climbing up to put on each piece of clothing. When they reach the top and are getting lowered down they can rehang the clothes for the next child. This exercise will not only help with their balance but will force them to use their feet. It also teaches great resting positions! Remember to tell them, "NO HANGING ON THE ROPE!!" Have fun!!
|
|
bookworm
Social climber
Falls Church, VA
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2009 - 09:26am PT
|
try taping tennis balls to their heels so they're forced to stand on their toes...also making them climb one-handed will force to pay close attention to balance and body position
|
|
Rhodo-Router
Gym climber
Otto, NC
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2009 - 11:21am PT
|
Nice Brett. That's genius.
Way better than my chaining their chin to their unit.
|
|
TradIsGood
Chalkless climber
the Gunks end of the country
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2009 - 12:05pm PT
|
Why do you care what grade he climbs?!!
Let him have fun. He'll figure it out soon enough, if he really cares.
If he asks, then tell him. If not, you're just going to tick him off telling him what to do.
You may already be the one person he won't even listen to. If not, chill, so he will when it is important.
|
|
Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2009 - 01:33pm PT
|
Play a little soccer between rounds at the wall. It takes their minds off the climbing, keeps them loose, and gets their feet moving.
|
|
tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 10, 2009 - 01:35pm PT
|
He's never had a problem having fun.
I don't care how hard he climbs, I just know if I could get him to use his feet he'd climb so much better.
But he's doing ok as is
|
|
| Messages 1 - 11 of total 11 in this topic |
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!