Intro to Sidepulls

Overview

Sidepulls are a common hold type that requires more than just hand strength — they demand body positioning, tension, and a solid understanding of directionality. This lesson introduces the mechanics of sidepulling and how to use them efficiently. We’ll cover:

What is a sidepull?
How to recognize and approach them
Body positioning and common mistakes

What is a Sidepull?

A sidepull is a hold that faces sideways and is ineffective — or impossible — to pull down on vertically. Instead, climbers must generate lateral pulling force, often while leaning their body away from the hold. Proper use of a sidepull involves activating your opposing muscles and keeping your body close to the wall while pulling inward.

Recognizing and Using Sidepulls

[Image - Sidepull Hold Example]

Sidepulls are typically vertical or angled edges that face left or right. When you see a hold you can’t pull down on but *might* pull across your body, it’s probably a sidepull. Key strategies include:

Using the hold with the opposite-side hand (e.g., right hold, left side of body pulls away)
Leaning your body away from the hold to generate pulling tension
Pressing your feet in the opposite direction to create counterforce

Sidepulls are often paired with flagging or high steps to create usable body tension. They become easier with precision rather than power.

Body Position and Technique

Counterpressure is key. If you’re slipping off a sidepull, you’re probably not applying pressure in the right direction or your feet aren't counterbalancing the force. Here are key components of good sidepull technique:

Opposition with the Feet – Your feet need to push in the opposite direction of your pulling hand. A common technique is a high step on the same side as the pulling hand, combined with a flag on the opposite foot.

Core Engagement – Keep your core tight and hips close to the wall. Letting your body swing out defeats the leverage needed to hold a sidepull.

Elbow Direction – Keep your elbow close and pull in toward your torso rather than flaring it out. Think of using your lats and obliques rather than just your biceps.

Dynamic Movement – If you're moving between two sidepulls, controlled dynamic movement can help. Stay centered as you transition or else you risk barndooring off the wall.

[Image - Proper Body Position Using Sidepull]

Quick Tips:

Always scan for footholds that let you oppose the direction of pull. Without opposition, sidepulls are nearly useless.
If you're barndooring, try flagging or switching feet to rebalance your center of gravity.
Practice sidepulls on vertical walls before trying them on overhangs, where tension and body position become much harder.

Summary

Sidepulls challenge your ability to use technique and body tension rather than brute strength. To use them effectively, learn how to identify their directional nature, set your feet to oppose the pull, and stay tight through your core. With deliberate practice, sidepulls become tools rather than obstacles.