Why Do Some Climbers Struggle with Crossovers?
Coaching w/ Dan #5
Hooper’s Beta Ep. 166
Introduction
A fundamental problem in climbing occurs any time you cross one hand over the other: you have to find a way to get your chest out of the way.
Climbers often complain about a lack of mobility or having shoulders that are "too broad" for certain moves. However, the solution is almost always the same: you have to find a way to get narrower. Luckily, there are really only two ways to achieve this.
1. The Roll
"Rolling" involves turning perpendicular to the wall. By rotating your torso, the effective width of your chest is reduced, allowing you to reach much further across your body. Once the move is made, you can simply roll back the other way.
2. The Swim
"Swimming" is a bit less common but frequently useful. This technique involves shortening your shoulder-to-shoulder width by rotating parallel to the wall (staying in the plane of the wall).
The Rule of Thumb: You can usually try both to see which works best for a specific move, but each has distinct consequences for your balance and reach.
When to Use "The Roll"
The Roll is often the default choice for steep terrain.
The Benefits: Rolling typically allows for a straighter body line, a tighter and more stable core, and better weight distribution over your feet. It keeps you balanced and prevents "the swing" (barn-door) during the move.
The Limitations: It requires your hips to become perpendicular to the wall, which can sometimes push your center of gravity outward. Additionally, your reach is physically limited by your armpit; you can only reach as far as your anatomy allows while turned sideways.
When to Use "The Swim"
Swimming is often the superior choice for slabs or moves where your hands are already spread wide.
The Benefits: Swimming is ideal when you need to maximize your reach or when the feet are too marginal to allow you to turn your hips perpendicular. It allows you to "reach over the top" of your other arm.
The Limitations: It can be more taxing on the shoulders and requires specific positioning to ensure you don't lose your angle and fall away from the wall.
Summary: Choosing Your Move
If you are struggling with a large cross-move or a move where you are forced into a stemming position, turning your hips (rolling) might actually be disadvantageous. In these cases, shortening the shoulders through a stanced-up swim provides the better angle and the extra distance needed to stick the hold.
Roll for stability, core tension, and straight-line power.
Swim for maximum reach, slab balance, and wide-set hand positions.
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