Slab climbing isn’t about pulling hard — it’s about control. Slabs are angled less than vertical and demand balance, foot precision, and trust in friction. While they can look easy from the ground, many climbers find them mentally and technically challenging. This lesson breaks down:
Slab climbing refers to climbing on walls that are less than vertical — typically between 80° and 100°. Holds are often small or nonexistent, requiring you to trust the rubber of your shoes and maintain precise balance. The center of gravity becomes your best tool, and your feet do most of the real work.
[Image - Slab Stance Example]
On slabs, how you stand is more important than how hard you pull. Key footwork principles:
Expect holds to be subtle. You’re often climbing on texture, not edges — and that requires confidence in the smallest shifts of balance.
Stay Low and Upright – Keep your torso upright and hips square. Avoid leaning in too much —
this lifts your heels and decreases friction.
Hands for Balance – Your hands aren’t pulling — they’re counterbalancing. Think “tightrope
walker,” not “pull-up bar.”
Micro-Adjustments – A centimeter can make or break a move. Shift your weight subtly, test
pressure with your toes, and readjust quickly if you lose grip.
Breathe and Trust – Fear often pushes climbers to overgrip and rush. Slab rewards calm
thinking and committed steps. You’ll fall more by hesitating than by trusting the rubber.
[Image - Weight Over Feet Slab Technique]
Slabs challenge your mental game and technical fundamentals more than your raw power. Precision footwork, calm movement, and balance-focused posture are the real crux. If you can master slabs, you’ll unlock a level of control that improves your climbing across all styles.