Intermediate
Most Climbers Read Routes Wrong
Coach's take: The best route-reading framework in this batch - checkpoint holds and working backwards actually changes how you approach a climb.
4.0
Reading routes
Climbing / Popular
Work out sequences from the ground before you leave it.
What coaches agree on
- Before you leave the ground, look over the whole route to find the start, the finish, and every hold, including the ones that are easy to miss.
- Mentally rehearse the sequence of moves before you start climbing: which hand or foot goes on each hold and what position it puts your body in.
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- Read the angle each hold is set at to work out which hand it is meant for.
Common mistakes
- Skipping a close look at the route causes climbers to miss holds, especially footholds tucked under other holds, and fall or waste energy hunting for them mid-climb.
Beginner
Unlock Sequencing: Step by Step for Climbing Beta
Coach's take: Thorough, honest about what works for different climbers, and genuinely useful.
3.8
Beginner
Climbing Techniques - Route Reading. Get more flashes!
Coach's take: Great structure - three levels that scale with your experience, and the walking-trip analogy actually lands.
3.8
Beginner
How To Read Bouldering Routes: An In-Depth Breakdown
Coach's take: Excellent — the thumb-chalk trick and the 'repeat the process on the same climb' bonus tip are things most videos in this batch miss.
3.8
Intermediate
Beginner Bouldering Route In Depth Break Down With rockentry
Coach's take: Shows you HOW to think through a route, not just what he did -- genuinely useful.
3.7
Beginner
Instantly CLIMB better with Route Reading (Visualisation)
Coach's take: Better than most because it shows what to do once the easy left-right-left pattern breaks down.
3.7
Intermediate
Entry Level Comp Style Bouldering Route In-depth Breakdown with rockentry!
Coach's take: Shows the real trial-and-error of solving a boulder -- valuable, if a little less structured than his other breakdown.
3.6
Intermediate
Route Reading in 5 STEPS | Vlog #65
Coach's take: Practical framework you can actually reuse on your next problem.
3.6
Advanced
Make-Up Advanced: The Best Drill for Route Reading & Beta Creativity
Coach's take: Teaches you to think like a setter -- genuinely transfers to reading any route.
3.6
Beginner
Route Reading 101 || How to with Louis Parkinson
Coach's take: Practical, honest tips — especially the caveat that chalk marks show what people tried, not what's right.
3.6
Intermediate
Lead Climbing 101 - How to Find Rests
Coach's take: Concrete, technical, and grounded in one real route start to finish.
3.4
Beginner
IMPROVE Route Reading | 5 Tips from a Competitive Rock Climber
Coach's take: Solid tips, especially reading hold angle for hand choice — just wish it were tighter.
3.3
Beginner
How to Read Climbing Gym Routes Better
Coach's take: Simple, clear, and it actually clicks -- good first explanation of the idea.
3.1
Beginner
How to route-find when scrambling
Coach's take: Solid, honest advice on reading ground and guidebook together -- a bit soft on system, strong on judgement.
2.9
Intermediate
The 1 Habit that EVERY Climber Needs (Route Reading)
Coach's take: Worth it for the 'note the holds you won't be able to see' tip alone, but it's more anecdote than method.
2.7
Beginner
How to use a climbing guide book
Coach's take: Gets the core idea across fast, but it's a quick intro, not a deep dive.
2.6
Beginner
How to read climbing routes like a pro | New Haven Ascent
Coach's take: Good on the 'why', thin on the 'how' - fine as a first intro, nothing to return to.
2.6
Beginner
Beginner climber tips on Route Reading! | Vlog #11
Coach's take: The tips are fine, but thin - no worked example, and it shows this is a hobbyist, not a coach.
2.1
Beginner
Fundamentals of Climbing Technique; Route Reading for Beginners
Coach's take: Good structured drill once it gets there — predict, climb, compare, repeat.
2.1
Beginner
Climbing Route Reading Tutorial By Psychi Athletes & GB Team members Martin Heald & Jen Wood
Coach's take: Good credentials, almost no substance - blink and you'll miss the whole lesson.
2.0
Intermediate
Creating Sequences To Improve Route Reading | Catalyst Climbing Training Ep.1
Coach's take: Good drill to sharpen sequencing instincts once you know the basics - not a how-to on reading itself.
1.4