Climbers often talk about “moving smoothly,” “finding flow,” or “good coordination.”
Mechanically, all of these boil down to one principle:
Sequencing = performing movements in the correct order so that force, friction, and CoM remain stable throughout the change.
You don’t fall because a single move is too hard.
You fall because one movement disrupts the conditions needed for the next.
This article explains how sequencing works on the physics level — and why elite climbers move in a specific, deliberate order.
1. Movement Is Not Continuous — It Is a Chain of Discrete Events
Even the smoothest climbing is a sequence of micro-events:
- CoM shift
- weight transfer
- tension engagement
- contact adjustment
- force direction alignment
- limb movement
- re-stabilisation
The order matters.
When climbers “rush,” “jerk,” or “skip steps,” they collapse one or more links in this chain — and friction drops instantly.
Sequencing is the art of ordering these steps so no variable breaks during movement.
2. The Rule: CoM Moves First, Limbs Move Second
This rule has almost no exceptions.
- If the CoM moves after the limb → you destabilise the system.
- If the CoM moves before the limb → you stabilise the system.
Correct sequence:
- shift weight
- engage tension
- align vector
- then reach / step / pull
Incorrect sequence (beginner pattern):
- reach
- lose balance
- desperately shift CoM
- slip
This is why elite climbers appear calm:
the CoM is already in the right place before the movement happens.
3. Timing Determines Whether Sequencing Works
Sequencing is not only about order but timing — the delays between steps.
Example: stepping onto a small foothold.
Efficient movement sequence:
- shift CoM to the supporting foot
- place new foot with minimal pressure
- gradually weight the new foot
- release the old foot
Inefficient movement sequence:
- lift the foot without shifting CoM
- slam the foot onto the hold
- try to correct balance after contact
- overgrip because the system is unstable
Timing defines whether the system stays inside a stable friction envelope.
4. Good Sequencing Eliminates Force Spikes
When the order is correct:
- load increases smoothly
- friction stays consistent
- joints stay in favorable angles
- the kinetic chain doesn’t break
When the order is wrong:
- friction oscillates
- contact fails
- the CoM lurches
- the body has to catch itself
- force spikes overload fingers
- feet blow or hands slip
Good climbers look “quiet” because their sequencing removes spikes.
5. Efficient Sequencing Minimizes Uncertainty
Every climbing movement creates temporary instability.
The goal is to minimise:
- time under instability
- amplitude of instability
- number of unstable phases
Sequencing does this by:
- preparing the next movement in advance
- stabilising the system before changing limb positions
- ensuring tension transitions cleanly
- keeping CoM on a predictable track
This is why elite climbers barely “correct” mid-move — the conditions stay stable.
6. Sequencing in Dynamic Movement
People think dynamic movement is chaotic.
Mechanically, it is more sequenced than static movement.
The sequence:
- Pre-load — tension and vector alignment
- CoM acceleration — push/pull
- Float phase — hands relaxed
- Catch phase — tension re-engages
- Stabilisation — friction restored
- Next move — only after stabilisation
Most failed dynos come from skipping step 5.
Elite climbers “land soft” → because they follow every step of the sequence.
7. Sequencing Determines How Energy Is Used
Energy waste is not about intensity — it’s about ordering.
Bad sequencing:
- uses hands before feet
- loads forearms before hips engage
- engages shoulders too early
- releases feet before tension is transferred
- pulls before friction is established
Good sequencing:
- loads feet before hands
- uses legs to drive movement
- transfers force smoothly
- aligns everything before applying effort
The difference in energy cost is enormous.
8. The Rule: Every Movement Has a Correct Order
The goal of sequencing is not aesthetic — it’s mechanical.
If you perform the steps out of order, the physics break.
Friction drops.
Force leaks.
Balance collapses.
Correct sequencing =
doing the right tasks in the right order to preserve stability.
This is what makes technique look smooth —
not style, but physics.