Rock Climbing Technique: The Practical Guide to Movement Mastery

It’s very rare I review products, however this book deserves my efforts. Whether you are starting out or are already a climber it’s a great book. Not only is every technique explained well, they are accompanied by QR codes (see photo) enabling you to actually see how the movement should be done.

Having used John as a coach at the Kendal wall, this book is a great reminder of the things that I need to continue to practice. When I first met John I said I wanted to lead 5c (UK) outside but I didn't have the strength. He said improving strength would increase my chances of injury and given my quality of foot work that I should focus my effort on that. A year later I am able to climb 5c with the same amount of time spent training. There is a lot of good drills in the book which are simple to practice. I have read a lot of books on climbing but this focusses on the going for yourself which is a better way of learning for me.

Virtually all climbers get injured at some point, regardless of whether they climb outdoors or indoors, and many climb with chronic injuries. It's unlikely that technique could prevent a freak accident but it can definitely reduce risks that are within one's control and enable one to climb smarter and safer. This book provides a rather useful summary of basic but important climbing techniques, and emphasises the importance of good technique. It would have been improved with more (and relevant) climbing graphics/photographs, since sports/movement are tangible concepts represented more clearly by visuals. It also gives a good sense of the author's solid competence as a sensible coach and is a helpful reminder for injured climbers to climb smarter and safer. "Skill development is a great way to maintain motivation and keep improving, while paving the way for excellent performance when you return to form." - John Kettle

Good

I’m still working my way through this book, putting each technique into practice. The method of breaking down climbing into individual techniques certainly works well for me, and gives me more weapons in my arsenal to send problems, and I’ve improved my climbing grade since applying the techniques learnt in this book. My climbing companions have also commented on how much better I’m climbing, and how effortless (it isn’t!) I make my climbing seem.

Lovely book with clearly explained exercises and great accompanying videos. More user friendly than 'the self coached climber' which over complicated things for me. So glad I stumbled across this. Very happy. It has made me look forward to indoor climbing sessions.

A thorough explanation of climbing technique. Very well written, easy to understand. Essential reading.

There are a now a dozen or so very good books on mainly physical training for climbing, a few on psychology, (or chapters within broader books), and a very few on technique. This book is easily the best so far on technique and combines a sound, attractive philosophy with excellent practical exercises including free online demos. Great effort and thanks to the author for whom it seems much more gift to the climbing community than a money making exercise.

Great advice + videos

All levels of climbers can benefit from this book. Theories and exercises are simple yet very useful and effective especially for boulderers and sport climbers who focus too much on physical aspects of climbing.

Just started climbing and this book is absolutely invaluable! Great buy

les exercices décrits sont faibles en compétences, ils ne vous développeront pas ce qui est utile, d'autant que parfois ils sont donnés d'abord du plus coplexe au plus simple, peu d'intérêt

Great book, clearly communicates everything, cant wait to put it into practice, the acompanying vids were super handy, would recomend.