Climbing Notes
Drills

Straight-arm traverse

Traverse low on easy holds keeping the arms straight whenever you aren't moving a hand.

1 min read 5 sections

Goal

Move from the legs and hips, not by pulling with bent arms.

How

  1. Traverse a low section of wall on big holds, feet just above the ground.
  2. Between hand moves, hang from straight arms.
  3. Move by shifting the hips and pushing with the legs; reach only when the body is already in position.
  4. Shake a hand whenever a hold allows it.

What to measure

  • How many moves you make with bent arms (a partner can count).
  • Pump after a set number of moves.

Write it down on the log sheet.

Dose

5–10 minutes as part of a warm-up.

The evidence

  • Coaching practice This drill and its dose are common coaching practice; no study in the research pack tested them.
  • See Straight-arm hang and hip position for the background and the measured numbers behind it.
Important

Climb within your experience, with a qualified instructor or experienced partner for anything roped. Young climbers: no campus board or added-weight versions of any drill, and stop at any finger pain.