Handholds and footholds

I mentioned about the handholds and footholds on the indoor climbing wall. To climb smoothly, it is better to check out the function of each hold.

There are a huge variety of shapes for the climbing holds, the shapes actually mimic rock features but some are just for fun. There is something to be considered, when a climbing hold is turned upside down, it can be a different type of hold.

Jugs

This is a climber friendly hold for it is large and easy to grab hold on it. Beginner’s route often used these types of holds so the climber can be comfortable during the climb as it requires minimal energy.

It can also be used as a foot smear as it is big enough to step on it.

 Mini-jugs and incuts

It is smaller than jugs but are still functioned as a solid handhold. You can fit your second knuckles in to the gap behind so you won’t slips.

Slopes

A necessary hold in the advance climbing route.  They don’t have any lip or edge but rounded in surface. It is used to let the climber to get a direct grip. The hold might be rough or smooth. The tips to use this hold is to get as much surface area of the hand, you need to feel the friction so you won’t fall down.

Pockets

Round holes can be found in pockets.  You can hook on the using one, two or three fingers but for some people with smaller hands, you can use all the fingers. There is a small hole and a big hole in the pockets, the small hole should contain your index finger while the others in the big hole for a tighten grip.

Pinches

There is a hole in the pinches while it is shaped into something similar like a sloper. This kind of holds requires the greatest amount of strength as the climber needs to create a strong squeezing force. Depending on the size and shape, you can use one to four fingers to hold on it. Your thumb needs to be active as it provide additional force.

Crimps and Chips

These holds are small and often used as footholds. It is seldom to find them in beginner routs as you need to have the strength and skill to use it. Crimps need closed grip to grab hold on it, your knuckles must flexed in an opposite direction in order to form a natural bending. Sometimes, you need to wrap your entire hand on it to generate extra force.

Edges

The edges have a flat top surface and are similar to crimps but larger. It is wide enough to use four fingers but there don't have any gap of lip for you to get hold on it. You can use the edge like a crimp or a mini-jug, depending on their shapes. It will let the climber felt less secure but it is preferred when it is below the hold.

MLA Referencing

"Names of Indoor Rock Climbing Holds and How to Use Different Types." HubPages. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2013.