Six foot wall climb???

[CaliHopeful]

I am going to be attending an extended academy startung on Jan 14th. Right now I can run 3 miles without much of a problem, I am up to 24 pushups in a min, 25 situps in a min. I will continue to increase these numbers before and during the academy. The area's of concern that I have are pullups and the solid 6 foot wall climb. Right now I am doing pull downs at the gym to help increase my pullups, but what is up with the wall?? I can easily get over the chain link fence, but I am having a prob with the solid wall. What is the best technique to use whan attacking the solid 6 foot wall???? ANY input will be welcome!!!

Thank You,

Calihopeful.

[dano1427]

Well..It's all technique, especially if you're vertically challenged (i'm just about 5'8" and weigh 170-175pnds). here's what I did. Run at it at a slight angle, jump to get a good hand-hold, and then swing your legs over the wall, with the momentum from the small jump you initially took. The trick is to get your legs over; swing your legs, and the body will follow. The lower you go over, the better, and the faster. I remember when I was testing, and very small stature females (i.e. 5ft tall) were doing the swing technique faster than the tall guys who were trying to be macho, and jumping over the wall by putting their feet on the top.

Two main ideas to remember: look down before you land, and always stay low, to avoid being a large target.

--dan

[dharma69]

Technique, indeed.

One thing you may find on that six-foot wall is a spot somewhat dead center that looks worn and faded. That's the spot where people (like myself) get a running start, jump, land a foot and use it to propel themselves upward, while your arms and shoulders haul you up. Swing up one of those legs and the job is done. I'm 5'6" and all of 130 lbs. and that technique works for me because I 'm using speed, the momentum of my body and the fact that my upper body strength is better than average.

Run, jump, grab, thrust and over you go.

tng

[JI603]

I would think that you need to keep working on your pullups, as you said. Upper body strength helps out when going over walls.

25 pushups in a minute is not a whole lot - and I know you are working on increasing that, but judging by that I would say that having a little more upper body strength would not hurt you.

Pulldowns are OK, but nothing increases pullups like pullups. Get to at least 15 at a time, and the wall will be no problem.

Get yourself a pullup bar that goes in a doorway - they're only a few bucks - and everytime you go by it, knock them out to muscle failure.

[gone1096]

I would have to agree with all of the above. When I was applying for Patrol at my department, we had a 7 foot solid wall to get over. Although we just had to get to where we could see over the top and read a license plate and then drop back down. Being female and small 5'1" this was very tough. It took me 3 tries but I did it (although I couldn't move my arms for about 2 weeks afterwards!) Keep doing the push ups and definitely the pull ups. That is what is going to increase your upper body strength. I couldn't do a single pull up in the beginning of the academy and got up to 15 (not too bad for doing none to begin with) I did 47 push-ups in a minute and 35 situps. Practice practice practice! You'll get there!

[Sandles2Sidearm]

The POST test where I live has both the chain link and the solid fence, both 6 ft tall. The issue with these is time! One must clear the obstacles in a very short period, so the angle yourself and flip a leg over routine wastes a lot of precious seconds...


So, heres my .02. Get as much momentum as possible, place one foot in the wall and both hands on the top of the fence. DO NOT waste time pulling yourself up enough to straddle your self over the wall.

DO get your upper torso over the wall and flip the rest of the way over. Its fast and easy, and with practice any one can do it. I have watched too many episodes of COPS and Dangerous chases where I have seen suspects gain precious ground using this technique. When in Rome, do as the Romans do!