Wall pop: How to get over walls in an instant

In parkour, it's essential to distinguish between the Wall Run and the Wall Pop, as they serve different purposes and techniques.

Wall Run: This involves running horizontally or vertically along a vertical surface, maintaining forward momentum parallel to the ground. While visually impressive, it's less commonly applied in practical parkour scenarios.

Coach zeek doing a cat return

Wall Pop: Also known as a Pop Vault, this technique converts forward momentum into vertical lift, enabling practitioners to ascend and overcome obstacles taller than their natural jumping reach. It's a fundamental skill for efficient upward movement in parkour.

Mastering the Wall Pop: Key Steps

1. Understanding the Mechanics: The Wall Pop is a physics-driven movement that transforms horizontal speed into vertical ascent through optimal traction. By exerting force against the wall exceeding gravitational pull, you achieve the necessary grip to propel upward.

2. Identifying the Sweet Spot: Locate the optimal foot placement by finding the midpoint between the top of your knee and hip. This "sweet spot," typically at mid-thigh level, maximizes grip and power. There's a margin of about 3 inches above or below this point, depending on individual height.

Youth PK student doing a wall pop

3. Optimal Foot Positioning: When placing your foot on the wall:

Foot Angle: Position at a 45-degree angle to the wall.

Leg Alignment: Ensure a 90-degree angle at the knee.

Body Posture: Maintain a 45-degree angle from your thigh to your torso.

This alignment creates an effective spring mechanism, balancing absorption and propulsion.

4. Developing Wall Contact Confidence: Practice approaching the wall and placing your foot accurately on the sweet spot. Aim to maintain contact for a full second before gravity pulls you back, building stability and control.

5. Generating Upward Force: Progress to jogging towards the wall, placing your foot on the sweet spot, and extending your leg fully to propel upward. Initially, aim to touch the top of the wall; with practice, work towards gripping it. For walls 6 to 8 feet high, you should be able to grasp the top; for taller walls, focus on reaching the surface.

6. Executing the Top Out: Once you can grip the wall's top, pull yourself into a front support position. From there, perform a cast to bring your legs over and land atop the wall, similar to a Kong mount.

Supplementary Drills to Enhance Wall Pop Proficiency

Pistol Squats: Develop unilateral leg strength for powerful push-offs.

Dips: Build upper body strength essential for the top-out phase.

Push-Ups: Enhance overall upper body conditioning.

Pull-Ups: Strengthen the muscles required for pulling up during the ascent.

Front Support Casts: Practice transitioning from a hanging position to atop the wall smoothly.

Caoch zeek with a 12ft wall pop

Additional Resources

For visual demonstrations and further guidance, consider the following tutorials:

"WALL POP UP - Fastest Way Up a Wall Parkour Tutorial" by Ronnie Street Stunts:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDVfO6Rodbw

"Wall Pop Tutorial | Learn Parkour" by Storm Freerun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-dnbpet-Cs

"How to POP VAULT (beginner parkour tutorial)" by Ryan Ford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OiW2mTCdgk

These resources provide step-by-step instructions to refine your Wall Pop technique.

By focusing on these elements and incorporating the recommended drills, you'll enhance your Wall Pop proficiency, enabling efficient vertical movement in your parkour practice.

Have fun and train safe!