Facing the Hidden Crux: A Guide to Mental Preparation for Competitive Youth Climbers (for groups up to 10)
Climbing competitions are an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself against new climbs and your peers. The time, energy, and emotion that athletes invest in an uncertain outcome makes competition fertile ground for heightened energy. This energy can quickly turn into anxiety if not kept in check. By mentally preparing for the event with a Competition Plan, you will be able to show up confidently as your best self! This guide outlines mental practices to use in the weeks prior to competition and during the event. We recommend that this guide be used by competitive climbers and coaches. These skills are adaptable for newer and younger climbers with facilitation by a parent or coach. These skills are powerful—with practice, you will be able to stay present, understand what your body needs, and cultivate your peak mental state for performance and life. It’s time to unlock your brain beta—get ready to face the Hidden Crux!
“I used the comp guide this weekend and I really believe it was the only reason I made finals. I referenced back to it during the comp and was able to stick to my plan and use the phrases I had thought about to make progress. All to say I truly believe this idea can be a game changer for people competing!!” -Head Coach, MA
“I think this is the best article and form of tracking I have ever seen…The sport would drastically change for the better for youth climbers if this was at the forefront of coaches minds.” -Head Coach, NJ
Climbing competitions are an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself against new climbs and your peers. The time, energy, and emotion that athletes invest in an uncertain outcome makes competition fertile ground for heightened energy. This energy can quickly turn into anxiety if not kept in check. By mentally preparing for the event with a Competition Plan, you will be able to show up confidently as your best self! This guide outlines mental practices to use in the weeks prior to competition and during the event. We recommend that this guide be used by competitive climbers and coaches. These skills are adaptable for newer and younger climbers with facilitation by a parent or coach. These skills are powerful—with practice, you will be able to stay present, understand what your body needs, and cultivate your peak mental state for performance and life. It’s time to unlock your brain beta—get ready to face the Hidden Crux!
“I used the comp guide this weekend and I really believe it was the only reason I made finals. I referenced back to it during the comp and was able to stick to my plan and use the phrases I had thought about to make progress. All to say I truly believe this idea can be a game changer for people competing!!” -Head Coach, MA
“I think this is the best article and form of tracking I have ever seen…The sport would drastically change for the better for youth climbers if this was at the forefront of coaches minds.” -Head Coach, NJ
Climbing competitions are an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself against new climbs and your peers. The time, energy, and emotion that athletes invest in an uncertain outcome makes competition fertile ground for heightened energy. This energy can quickly turn into anxiety if not kept in check. By mentally preparing for the event with a Competition Plan, you will be able to show up confidently as your best self! This guide outlines mental practices to use in the weeks prior to competition and during the event. We recommend that this guide be used by competitive climbers and coaches. These skills are adaptable for newer and younger climbers with facilitation by a parent or coach. These skills are powerful—with practice, you will be able to stay present, understand what your body needs, and cultivate your peak mental state for performance and life. It’s time to unlock your brain beta—get ready to face the Hidden Crux!
“I used the comp guide this weekend and I really believe it was the only reason I made finals. I referenced back to it during the comp and was able to stick to my plan and use the phrases I had thought about to make progress. All to say I truly believe this idea can be a game changer for people competing!!” -Head Coach, MA
“I think this is the best article and form of tracking I have ever seen…The sport would drastically change for the better for youth climbers if this was at the forefront of coaches minds.” -Head Coach, NJ