Holds
Which holds are directional or poor?
Featured Guide
How to Read a Bouldering Problem Before the First Attempt.
A practical guide to holds, body positions, sequencing, rest points and adapting beta after each attempt.
Climbing perspective
Route reading
A first attempt improves when the climber has already noticed hold direction, likely feet, body positions and possible rest points.
The plan does not need to be perfect, but it creates a useful hypothesis that can be tested and adjusted.
Four questions before the first attempt
Feet
Where can the body create support?
Positions
Where will hips and shoulders likely move?
Rest
Is there a place to reset or pause?
Read hold direction before choosing the sequence
This section connects the page topic to practical climbing movement, route decisions and progression.
- Pull direction
- Likely feet
- Body orientation
Turn the route into smaller movement problems
Start
Establish a stable opening.
Crux
Identify the hardest sequence.
Finish
Plan enough control for the final moves.
Use each try to update beta
| Observation | Next Choice |
|---|---|
| Foot slipped | Change placement or pressure |
| Hips swung | Find counterbalance |
| Ran out of power | Improve pacing or rest |
Change one variable before the next attempt
This section connects the page topic to practical climbing movement, route decisions and progression.
- Foot
- Timing
- Body position
See how the page topic connects to real climbing
Climbing-specific imagery supports the page topic and keeps the visual story connected to real movement, routes and climbing environments.
Read the route, then test the plan.
Book coaching if you want help applying route-reading and movement ideas to your own projects.
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