🧗 Episode 8: Types of Climbing Holds

Climbing holds might look like colorful lumps of plastic on the wall, but each one has its own character, challenge, and technique.

Learning how to recognize and use different types of holds is like unlocking a new language of climbing—it opens up possibilities, makes routes less intimidating, and gives you that satisfying “aha!” moment when a problem suddenly clicks. In this post, I’ll explore the most common types of holds you’ll meet in the gym, with tips on how to approach them so you can climb smarter, not just harder.

 

🪨 Common Climbing Holds

  1. Jug
    Big, comfy “bucket” hold—like grabbing a door handle. Perfect for beginners.
    Body focus: Arms pull, feet push. Super secure.

  2. Crimp
    Tiny edge—just fingertips fit. Can be “open hand” (safer) or “full crimp” (riskier).
    Body focus: Finger strength + precision.

  3. Sloper
    Round, slopey hold with no obvious grip. You rely on friction and body position.
    Body focus: Open palm + core tension.

  4. Pinch
    Like it sounds—grab the hold between your thumb and fingers.
    Body focus: Thumb strength, forearms.

  5. Pocket
    A hole in the wall—only 1–3 fingers fit inside.
    Body focus: Finger tendons (be gentle, beginners!).

6. Undercling
Hold you grab from underneath, pulling upward while pushing feet down.
Body focus: Core + legs pressing to keep stable.

7. Sidepull
Hold oriented sideways—you pull across, not down.
Body focus: Core + opposite foot pushing for counterbalance.

8. GastĂłn
Like opening a sliding door with your elbow out—push outward with fingers.
Body focus: Shoulders + chest.

9. Volume
Big geometric shape—can be stood on, pressed, or palmed.
Body focus: Whole body + creativity.

10. Foothold (chip)
Tiny nub just for your toes. Looks useless, but trust your feet.
Body focus: Calves + precision.

My favorites are crimps, slopers, and pockets and I resent mostly pinches, because I haven’t give them proper time. That is a definitely an area to focus!

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Why Climbing for Beginners?

Starting out in climbing can feel overwhelming — new terms, unfamiliar gear, and a wall that looks impossible to scale. Climbing for Beginners exists to make that first step easier. Here, you’ll find simple guides, practical tips, and encouragement from someone who was also learning along the way, and still learning! No jargon, no pressure — just a friendly place to help you start climbing with confidence.

  • Start Simple

    Clear, beginner-friendly advice without the jargon.

  • Learn Together

    Written from the perspective of a fellow climber still enthusiastic of learning.

  • Climb with Confidence

    Practical tips to make your first steps on the wall safer and more fun.

What You Get

Explore the Smart Start series – your quick guide to getting started with confidence. Each episode breaks down the essentials into clear, practical steps, so you can focus less on confusion and more on enjoying the journey.

 

 

  • Clear Guidance:

    Breaks down essentials into easy-to-follow steps.

  • Confidence Boost

    Helps you start without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Support

    Encourages questions and provides answers to keep you on track