Pogo
When & Why to Use It
Use a pogo when:
- A foothold is too low or far to drive directly from both feet.
- You need to create momentum to reach a distant handhold without cutting feet.
- You’re on steep or blank terrain with limited pushing options.
- Pogos help when reach, power, or wall angle make static movement inefficient or impossible.
- They’re especially common in modern competition-style bouldering and powerful overhangs.
What It Looks Like
The climber shifts weight onto one leg (often the inside foot), while the opposite leg swings off the wall and back behind the body. This back leg then swings forward like a pendulum. At the peak of this swing, the climber jumps off the standing leg, using the motion to launch toward the target hold. The arms guide and stabilize the motion, and ideally, both feet reconnect quickly after the move. You’ll often see: A rhythmic “wind-up” before takeoff. Hips rising or crossing through to aid extension. One foot briefly dangling or stabbing the air to redirect energy.
Common Steps
- Establish a strong base on the pushing leg.
- Let the opposite leg drop and swing behind you.
- Time the swing forward with a push from the standing leg.
- Drive your hips and chest toward the next hold.
- Catch the target handhold and ideally reengage feet quickly.
Key Principles & Cues
- “Swing, then spring.”
- “Let the leg lead the move.”
- “Use the hip like a slingshot.”
- “Push and reach at the same time.”
Common Mistakes
- Not re: engaging feet: Leads to cutting loose and energy loss if foot placement isn’t re-established
- Jumping without a proper swing: Limits momentum and range
- Poor timing between leg swing and push: off: Causes awkward or failed launches
- Dropping the chest too low: Reduces upward drive and destabilizes the move
