In the world of climbing, technique and mindset are everything. Mastering the intricacies of movement and overcoming mental barriers can mean the difference between sending a project and falling short. Nick Ranelli, a knowledgeable climbing coach, has been sharing his insights and expertise with the climbing community through his Instagram page @nick_ranelli. In this article, we’ll dive into some of Nick’s key teachings that can help you elevate your climbing game. Be sure to check out Nick’s Instagram and LINKTREE to learn more and become a better climber!
The Secret to Execution
In this video, Nick emphasizes three key phrases: “Be Patient,” “Be Confident,” and “Be Smart.” He explains that patience on the wall means allowing body positions to fully develop before making the next move. Confidence revolves around the ferocity with which the next move is made, believing in yourself to execute the move well because you patiently set it up. Being smart is about taking the time to understand the details of the moves, setting you up to maximize your patience and execute confidently.
The Secret to Improve
In this post, Nick highlights the importance of focusing on learning rather than solely on sending. He outlines a session breakdown that includes being clear about the skills you’re focusing on, reviewing the basic concepts, projecting single moves or short sequences, repeating those moves multiple times, and trying new moves and sequences. Nick emphasizes that mastery comes from the ability to create many successful moments on command and that learning movement comes from repetition and variation over time.
The Secret to Drop-Knees
Nick reveals that the secret to a well-executed drop knee, which can dramatically decrease the difficulty of a move, lies in pivoting your heel along the foothold as you drop the knee. Many climbers believe they can’t drop their knee deep due to a lack of mobility, but Nick challenges this notion. He emphasizes that not pivoting the heel limits the range of motion available and prevents you from going deep with your drop knee.
The Secret to Prevent Your Feet from Popping
Nick shares that the secret to preventing your feet from popping lies in your positioning. His coaching cue is “nose over toes,” which applies to all terrains. By aligning your hips and feet, you place your center of gravity directly over your feet, maximizing balance and tension. If your foot is popping when you make a move, Nick suggests leading with your hips to create the alignment during the move. If your foot is popping before you move, try shifting your hips over the foot as you make contact with the foothold.
The Secret to Eradicating Fear on the Wall
Fear of falling is a common struggle for climbers, but Nick reveals that the approach to the climb is the secret to eliminating this fear. He outlines a four-step process: fully understanding the macro and micro beta for the move, understanding what’s triggering your fear response, understanding why it’s being triggered, and understanding how to fix the issue. By going through these steps and learning about micro-beta, your brain begins to understand that what you’re doing is okay, and the fear response diminishes.
Conclusion
Nick Ranelli’s insights and teachings have helped countless climbers improve their technique, mindset, and overall performance. By applying the secrets he shares, such as being patient, confident, and smart, mastering the drop knee, focusing on learning, preventing foot popping, and eradicating fear, you can take your climbing to the next level. Remember to keep your focus on the climbing and the movements needed to execute the climb, and never stop believing in yourself. Turn fear into a tool and embrace the process of continuous learning and improvement.
