The word training often has negative connotations, especially in connection with children. This makes it all the more important to think about it. As soon as climbing is regular (at least twice a week), purposeful and planned, children are also referred to as climbing training. It is very important that children have fun and enjoy being together. The idea of performance is initially in the background. Slow but targeted development of children's climbing training
From primary school age, children are mature enough to learn how to climb and, above all, how to belay properly. The first competitions are held from the Minis class (U8 and U10).
Children's climbing training is about long-term performance development. This means that the goal is not just the competition next month, but the (planned) performance as a teenager and young adult.
As every body adapts to training, new stimuli must always be set. This can be, for example, an increase in volume, new training methods or an increase in intensity.
This should not happen too early, so that the body can still be given new stimuli at the best or most important age (in sport climbing this is currently around 18 to 25 years).
Children's climbing training: competition is not the only goal, photo: Matthias Bader
Sensitive phases as the key to success
Training should be tailored to the so-called sensitive phases. There is always a certain age range for boys and girls in which certain things can be trained particularly well. If you miss this period, it can mean that this training effect can never be repeated with the same success.
For example, agility is very important for children at a young age and should always be trained. The same goes for speed.
It is important that the children climb a lot and in a varied way and that they learn and automate their climbing technique.
Children's climbing training: Training in the hall, photo: Matthias Bader
Watch out for growth plates!
Great attention should always be paid to the risk of injury during children's climbing training. The growth plates in the fingers are very sensitive in children and young people. As long as these are not completely closed, certain forms of training (fingerboard) are taboo.
In summary, there is a lot to consider when training children to climb and the earlier they are professionally supervised, the greater the chances that they will remain loyal to climbing and not lose motivation.
Children's climbing training: The focus is on having fun, even on the rock, photo: Matthias Bader
