Turning the Dials | Creating Specific Difficulties
There are 4 variables that can be manipulated for each hand and foot hold on a boulder. How you alter these variables will ultimately dictate the style and difficulty of the boulder.
Severity: Using better or worse holds. Size is not the appropriate term.
Distance: The space between holds in a single move.
Orientation: The position, spin, angle, etc. of holds.
Direction: The direction of travel between holds in a single move.
Consider these variables when bumping up against creative roadblocks when building boulders. More practice considering these will lead to increased skill in manipulating them.