Undercling

In bouldering, an "undercling" is a climbing hold that requires the climber to grip it with their palms facing upwards, pulling up and towards themselves. This forces the climber to engage their arm muscles and shift their body weight to maintain balance and control. Typically, underclings are used in conjunction with precise footwork to maintain stability and progress on the route or problem.

Examples

When Anna approached the boulder, she noticed an undercling hold. She placed her fingers under the rock and pulled upwards, using the strength in her fingers and biceps to stabilize. As she shifted her feet, she kept constant tension to avoid slipping. In another climb, James encountered an undercling near the middle of his route. He gripped it firmly, pulled his body closer to the wall, and reached for the next handhold, ensuring he maintained his center of gravity.