Rock Climbing Basics – Heel Hooks

Using heel hooks is a great way to climb steep walls and aretes. They allow you to take your weight off your hands, which gives you more energy for the next move. It also allows you to rotate your foot and bring your hips closer to the wall. This is important if you have to dyno to a higher hold.

There are many different ways to do heel hooks, but the one that seems to work the best is to tuck the toe of your foot under the hold. This may seem counterintuitive, but it gives you the best chance of a successful hook.

The best way to do this is to use a climbing shoe with a textured rubber surface. This creates friction with the crag, and will allow you to achieve a much stronger heel hook.

The heel hook is a good climbing trick that will work on many different types of holds. The best holds will be close together, and should be large enough to allow you to flex your foot and tuck your toe underneath the hold. You should also make sure your ankle flexes while doing this. It may feel awkward at first, but it will pay off in the long run.

Another trick is to use the toe of your foot to press down on the hold. This can be accomplished by using your toe to push up towards your shin. It may also seem a bit weird, but it is also the best way to get the most out of your climb.

The toe hook is a bit trickier than the heel hook, but it is a great way to get a good grip on a hold. This is particularly useful for crimps, aretes, and lip traverses. The toe of the foot can also be tucked under the rock, which will give you a good grip on the hold. This technique is most effective when used in conjunction with a toe cam, which will keep your foot in place.

You may want to consider using a knee bar, which is a great way to use your leg to hook around the hold. The knee bar is also useful if you are on an overhanging route that has fewer footholds. The knee bar also allows you to take a break mid-climb, as you will not need to stand on your feet. It may also be a good idea to tuck the thumbs of your hands into your palms to prevent dislocating them.

The best way to do heel hooks is to use a climbing shoe that cinches down. This will allow you to do the trick with one hand. A belay device may also be used to lock your partner in place, which will prevent them from falling. It is also important to keep your partner in a stable position while you do the heel hook, as it is very easy to tangle with them.