Dynamic coordination moves — paddle dynos, coordination jumps, palm flips, run-throughs, bicycle catches, double clutches — are not chaos.
They are predictable mechanical systems where:
- the CoM must follow a controlled trajectory
- limbs must sequence in a precise order
- forces must act at exact timing windows
- friction must remain predictable
- momentum must be redirected, not fought
Dynamic coordination is not about explosive power.
It is about predictive control of momentum and sequencing under changing contact conditions.
This chapter breaks down the mechanics behind these movements.
1. Coordination Moves Are Multi-Phase Systems
Every coordination move has these phases:
- Initiation — CoM pre-shift + tension + setup
- Acceleration — push/pull from multiple limbs
- Flight — CoM travels with controlled trajectory
- Reorientation — limbs reposition during flight
- Contact — hands/feet engage(s) in specific sequence
- Absorption — CoM decelerates, friction stabilizes
- Continuation — movement transitions into next action
If one phase is mistimed, the entire move fails.
Dynamic coordination is timing + sequencing, not power.
2. Initiation: Movement Begins Long Before Leaving the Wall
The success of a coordination move is determined before the jump happens.
Mechanically:
- hips set the vector
- feet determine the acceleration direction
- hands stabilize rotation
- core maintains chain integrity
- CoM shifts into the correct “launch pocket”
Beginners try to generate power directly.
Elite climbers shape the CoM path before generating momentum.
3. Acceleration: Momentum Comes From Legs, Direction From Hips
The legs provide the magnitude of acceleration.
The hips determine the direction of acceleration.
This combination controls:
- trajectory height
- lateral drift
- rotation
- catch feasibility
- foot landing predictability
Legs = power
Hips = steering
Core = stability
Arms = timing
Most coordination failures come from hip misalignment, not leg power.
4. Flight: The CoM Path Must Stay Predictable
In the air (or during deadweight phases):
- the CoM follows a ballistic trajectory
- rotation increases if torque is unbalanced
- precision depends on keeping limbs close to CoM
- stable hip orientation reduces drift
- small arm/leg repositioning fine-tunes the path
Expert climbers treat the air as a stabilization phase, not a gap in movement.
The float is active, not passive.
5. Reorientation: Limbs Move While the CoM Continues Unchanged
During flight, limbs move independently of the CoM.
Your hands and feet reposition to:
- prepare for the catch
- angle the wrist/fingers correctly
- align foot angles for smears or edges
- position the hips for immediate stabilization
This is where timing and proprioception dominate.
Beginners panic and freeze.
Experts reorient calmly and precisely.
6. Contact Sequence: Order Matters More Than Strength
Dynamic contact must happen in a specific order:
1. Primary contact
The first hand or foot that stabilizes the CoM.
2. Secondary contact
Completes the triangulation.
3. Settling phase
Pressure increases gradually to avoid shear.
If the order is reversed:
- friction collapses
- hips swing
- the vector becomes misaligned
- the move explodes
The “quiet contact” of top climbers comes from correct sequencing, not strength.
7. Absorption: Decelerating the CoM Without Losing Friction
Absorption is the most important phase.
It requires:
- soft elbows
- soft knees
- controlled wrist angle
- micro hip adjustments
- progressive foot pressure
- gradual tension re-engagement
If the absorption is too hard:
- feet shear
- hands slide
- CoM bounces away
- swing becomes uncontrollable
Absorption is precision braking — not force.
8. Coordination Moves Use Counter-Momentum to Neutralize Swing
To stop rotation:
- one limb initiates the move
- another limb cancels the rotational component
Examples:
- one foot drives sideways → other foot smears inward
- one hand catches → other hand matches to cancel drift
- one knee drives across → other leg counterflags
- torso twist is balanced by toe hook or bicycle catch
Every dynamic move requires rotational counterforce — or the CoM path becomes unpredictable.
9. Timing Windows Are Extremely Narrow
Dynamic coordination requires hitting timing windows of:
- 50–150 ms for hand contact
- 20–50 ms for foot smears
- 5–15 cm CoM accuracy
- 5–10° hip alignment tolerance
People think coordination moves are “hard.”
They are simply precision-dependent.
When the timing window is hit, the movement feels effortless.
10. The Rule: Dynamic Coordination = Predictable CoM + Precise Sequencing
Dynamic movement is not risky or wild.
It is a deterministic system where:
- CoM trajectory is calculated in advance
- limbs follow a planned sequence
- hip alignment sets direction
- counterforce neutralizes rotation
- contact is soft and progressive
- absorption stabilizes friction
- movement continues without interruption
When all elements align, coordination moves feel easy.
Strength plays almost no role.