Focus on getting good at climbing, not just on getting strong.

To help you really put this sentiment into action, here’s an article from the FrictionLabs blog by climber and coach Dan Mirsky.  The article is an introduction to climbing movement, how to improve it, and how we should view technique practice in the greater context of our training.

“The most important concept I hope to impress on you is that climbing is a skill-based sport before it is a strength-based sport. This simple idea should create a lens for the way you focus your energy on your newfound passion for climbing.”

“To put it simply, climbing as much as possible is the best way to get better at climbing, at least to start. Even many years down the road, when more focused training becomes increasingly valuable to you, it should be viewed as a means to support climbing improvement. Getting stronger and climbing better only works if we have the necessary climbing skills to effectively apply training gains.” – Dan Mirsky

Improving Climbing Movement

We’ve stressed that climbing is first and foremost a skill-based sport over and over again on this blog.  However, we are fully aware of the fact that effectively practicing climbing movement it’s often easier said than done.  After all improving your technique and climbing movement isn’t as cut and dry as training your fingers.

That’s where this article comes in.  Mirsky does a great job of laying out a practical framework you can use to focus your climbing practice.  Click through below to read the full article for yourself.  The next time you style your way up a route or boulder instead of hacking your way to the top with a series of power screams you’ll thank yourself!

Full Article: FrictionLabs – Intro to Climbing Movement with Dan Mirsky

(photo courtesy of Matt Pincus | @mpincus87)

Other Articles You Might Like:

• Tips for Getting Better Not Stronger
• FrictionLabs: Getting Started on the Moon Board
• Top 5 Climbing Technique Articles
• Movement Practice with Steve Bechtel