Climbing ability relies on mental fortitude, technical ability and physical power. For the best performance to occur, all three elements must be relatively equal to one another. Redpoint Performance strives to find the weakest link within these three elements. This link is the first target on the road to improved performance. All coaching and training is specific to the individual. Additionally, all training exercises are scalable to fit the athletes needs and lifestyle. Once all performance elements are equal, the physical training can ramp up.

Climbing skill is developed through conscious movement and knowledgeable coaching. Physical power is developed through structured training. The best climbing performance will occur when these two elements intersect.

Mental fortitude
When working towards a goal one must learn new skills. In a way, all training is mental training because any skilled behavior is learned. Therefore, the process of training is the process of learning, or gaining knowledge through experience. When we are learning new mental techniques to control fear and anxiety on a climb, or how to engage our muscles at the right time in order to do a difficult move, we are programming our neurons in the brain. To achieve our ambitions, we must align our attention with our intention. This is our ability to perform.

Coaching provides guidance to allow for more rapid progress. Quality coaching allows an athlete to work in a more challenging environment due to the added support. This allows the athlete to rise to the challenge and adapt, eventually gain new skills. Some of the most critical skills and mental techniques include: 1. How to control your breathing pace and when to use a particular method of breathing. 2. Assessing the risk versus consequence of a fall and how to incrementally overcome the fear. 3. Strategies for entering the “zone” or “flow state” to allow for more efficient movement.

Technical ability
Rock climbing is a skill sport. Climbing specific exercises or drills such as bouldering, top-roping, and any time spent on the wall are the most important part of the overall training concept.  It is easiest to think of skill work as time spent with climbing shoes on. The other part of training is isolationing specific muscle groups or movements patterns. This could be hangboarding for finger strength, campusing for power, weight lifting, or resistance training. These non-climbing aspects of performance are all done without wearing climbing shoes. The more novice the climber, the more important it is to focus on time spent climbing in order to improve skill and movement patterns,rather than trying to increase their maximum strength. It doesn’t matter how strong an athlete is, if they don’t know how to move on the rock. Some of the technical skills that are targeted include: 1. Understanding the relationship between your center of gravity and your base of support in order to find optimum balance. 2. Learning how to read the rock and comprehend the relationship between hand position, foot placement and movement. 3. How and when to adjust the pace of climbing to be more effective when resting or when trying to make it through the crux.

Physical power
As skill based movements and techniques begin to plateau, physical power begins to be an important factor. It becomes important to focus on weaknesses, such as finger strength, core, and raw power. Developing strength allows the climber to grab more difficult holds and utilize strenuous body positions that are required for movement. As strength improves, holds become easier to grasp, forearms become less pumped and moves become easier. Strength and power are the foundation for all movement. The more stable the foundation is, the more impressive the building can be on top.