Training vs Practice with Steve Bechtel Part 2

Several weeks ago we posted an article by climbing trainer and author of our Strength Training Guide Steve Bechtel from his website Climb Strong in which he outlined the difference between training and practice.  In this first article, he discussed how learning a new skill requires us to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and thoughtfully engage in practice.  Steve recently posted a follow up article on the topic in which he continued to stress the importance of deliberate practice in any climbers development.

“In many ways, your mindset in developing skills needs to be the opposite of what it is when training strength. You need calm, not psych. You need to absorb rather than produce. You need to look for microscopic improvements instead of jumps in performance. I am not arguing that you need to abandon training, but rather that you need to accept that physical conditioning will only get you so far. To excel completely in climbing, regular, deliberate, and utterly boring practice is fundamental.” – Steve Bechtel

In this second article, however, Steve lays out concrete strategies for structuring practice sessions and learning the complex skills involved in climbing.  First, he discusses the “Five S Formula” that he believes must be adhered to when practicing.

1. Simple
2. Segmental
3. Sequential
4. Strategic
5. Supported

Next, Steve describes actual skill building tactics to help you make the most of your practice sessions.  The tactics he discusses in detail are:

• Stare at who you want to become
• Be willing to be stupid
• Don’t fall for the prodigy myth
• Each day, try to build one perfect chunk
• Slow it down (even slower than you think)

Click through below to read the whole article.  Also, remember that while training to get stronger is important it is only half the equation; do not neglect practicing to get better.

Click Here: Don’t Train – Practice, Part 2

(photo courtesy of climbstrong.com)

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• Sarah Williams: Home Wall Training
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• Notes on Motor Learning in Climbing