Because your project isn’t going to send itself…
So, you’ve crushed the V2s, flirted with a few V4s, and now those next-level problems are giving you grief. We get it. Bouldering progression can feel like you’re smashing into a wall, rather than climbing it!
If you’re stuck in the land of plateaus, here are 12 tips to help you climb smarter, stronger, and (hopefully) send that one project that’s haunting your dreams.
1. Start Projecting Like a Pro
Gone are the days of flash-or-walk-away. Advanced climbers know the gold is in projecting. Work those tricky problems over multiple sessions. Break it down, try weird beta, and trust the process.
👉 How to Project a Boulder Problem (by EpicTV)
2. Stare at the Wall (No, Really)
Before you even chalk up, take a good long look. Visualise the moves, the body positions, the awkward foot swaps. It’s not wasted time—it’s tactical.
3. Fix Your Footwork
If your feet are slapping the wall like wet fish, we need to talk. Silent feet = smooth climbing. Practice precision and trust those placements. Your arms will thank you.
4. Climb with People Who Are Better Than You
It’s humbling, yes. But also super helpful. Watch what they do, shamelessly steal beta, and let their confidence rub off on you.
5. Drill the Basics Like a Nerd
Drop knees, flagging, toe-hooks—these aren’t “fancy” techniques, they’re essential. Keep refining them and use them intentionally.
👉 Climbing Technique Videos – Movement for Climbers
6. Rest Days = Secret Weapon
You won’t get better by climbing seven days a week (although we do love seeing you!) Give your body and tendons time to recover, or risk hitting a hard stop—literally.
7. Strength Train Off the Wall
Time to befriend the hangboard, the pull-up bar, our digital splatter board and your core. A stronger body = more control on the wall. Just go easy on the ego-lifts.
8. Body Tension is Everything
Climbing overhangs? Then you need to learn to keep your core engaged and hips in. Practice staying tight, especially when things get sketchy.
👉 Core Climbing Drills – Hannah Morris
9. Learn to Love the Open-Hand Grip
If you’re crimping like your life depends on it, give your tendons a break. The open-hand grip is safer and builds long-term finger strength.
👉 Crimp Grip vs.Open Grip – Geek Climber
10. Film Yourself (Cringe Later)
Watching yourself climb feels weird at first, but it’s SO helpful. You’ll spot mistakes you didn’t even feel in the moment. Like, why is your left foot there?
11. Study the Pros
You don’t have to climb like Adam Ondra to learn from him. Watch comp footage, training clips, and movement breakdowns to steal ideas for your own sessions.
👉 IFSC World Cup Highlights – YouTube
12. Play the Long Game
Some days you’ll feel invincible. Other days, a V3 will ruin you. That’s normal. Keep showing up, celebrate the little wins, and don’t forget why you started climbing in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Getting better at bouldering is about way more than pulling hard. It’s strategy, technique, mindset, and community. So next time you’re stuck, try mixing in a few of these tips—and remember, the climb doesn’t care how long it takes.
Tag us with your progress: #Indirock – we love a good send story, whatever the grade! 💪🧗♀️
