HANDHOLDS

There seems to be as many different kinds of holds as there are ways to grab them, but there remain five basic techniques: the Open Grip; the Cling Grip or Crimp; The Vertical Grip; The Pocket Grip and The Pinch Grip. Again, as with footwork, a calm and deliberate manner, coupled with feeling different ways of using the hold, will result in added confidence that you are getting maximum performance from the hold.

MANTLING

A mantleshelf is a rock feature, typically a ledge, with scant holds directly above. Mantling is often performed on large features such as shelves or knobs, but when the face offers only one hold, you might find yourself mantling.

THE UNDERCLING

Anytime you grab a hold with your palm up, whether you have your fingers behind a flake, or you're grabbing the underside of a small roof or step in the rock, you are underclinging.

SIDEPULLS

When a handhold is oriented vertically, or near-vertically, it's very difficult to pull straight down upon,so you'll most likely use it as a sidepull. The idea is to lean away from the hold, with your hands and deet working in opposition, similar to laybacking a crack. If the sidepull faces right, you'll want your body to be left on the hold, so you can lean against it. Ideally you'll find some left-facing footholds below and slightly right of the sidepull to provide the opposition. You can often make a longer reach from a sidepull than you could from a horizontal handhold. A sidepull is similar to the technique of laybacking, wiht your hands and feet working in opposition.