Pogo (aka Moonkick)

A Pogo (also known as the Moonkick) is a move where the climber swings a leg to generate momentum. Pogos can be seen in both rock climbing and competition climbing, where the latter often involves a combination of a Pogo and additional coordination. 

Setup

Pogos can be done almost anywhere in climbing, but there are ways to heavily suggest one. One common method is having the climber jump to a hold by using the momentum from the Pogo to gain the necessary distance. This is most easily set up with a downpulling start hold, a sidepull for the other hand, and a foot in-line with the start hold. This setup naturally lets the climber pull into their sidepulling hand, as they would otherwise barndoor. Ensure the climber has sufficient height from the ground to swing their leg. From there, place a catch hold that is too far to reach statically from the start position, but still within arm span distance from the starting downpull. 

Tweaks

Because a well-executed Pogo leads the climber in an arc motion, a fun way to make a more intense pogo is setting the catch hold higher, rather than further, or even behind the start hold but above it in height. This will ask the climber to swing their leg much more drastically. Playing with the quality of the start hold and size of the foot will also make it harder to generate for the Pogo, requiring more body tension throughout the move. 

Combinations

Pogos require a start position, so you can’t quite set into one, but there are multiple options for finishing a pogo besides a simple catch hold. Consider a Pogo to: Undercling Foot-Stomp, Paddle, Toehook Catch, or Skate.