A “down palm” can often be used on face climbs, on slab climbs, and on “mantles” for “mantling”.

You won't always have a “perfect edge” when climbing. However, a rounded or "sloping" feature can also be made positive for movement.

This is accomplished by pressing with your palm downwards, and then shifting your bodyweight onto your palm.

This down-palm technique is especially helpful when trying to mantle over a bulge or roof. For more on this, see our video on “Mantling”.

We hope you found this video helpful. Feel free to comment below with questions or thoughts!

Please remember, climbing is inherently dangerous. Climb at your own risk.