In bouldering and rock climbing, we often focus on “pulling” techniques—crimping small edges or hauling ourselves up jugs. However, two essential yet underrated techniques are palming and stemming. These methods rely on compression and friction rather than raw finger strength, making them indispensable for conquering corners, dihedrals, and blank slabs.
Palming and stemming are techniques to use the flat, open surface of their hand or feet against the wall to create a new contact point..
Palming: The Power of Friction
Palming is a hand technique used when there are no positive holds to grab. Instead of curling your fingers over an edge, you press the flat of your palm directly against the rock surface.
How it works: By using the friction of your skin against the rock, you create an “invisible hold.” It is most effective on slabby terrain or when you need to stabilize yourself while moving your feet.
The Technique: Maximize surface area of your hand against the wall. Push your weight through the base of your palm.
Corners: If you find yourself in a corner (a dihedral), you can palm both walls simultaneously, using a “pushing” force to keep your body suspended.
Stemming
Stemming (sometimes called bridging) is a technique where you press your feet or hands against two opposing surfaces. It is the primary way to ascend dihedrals or wide cracks.
The “X” Position: When stemming in a corner, your body often resembles an “X.” Your left foot pushes against the left wall, and your right foot pushes against the right wall. This creates a stable bridge that allows you to “walk” up the corner without needing any handholds at all.
Efficiency: Because stemming relies on your skeletal structure, it is incredibly energy-efficient. It is often the best way to find a rest in the middle of a difficult route. By locking your legs against the walls, you can take your hands off to chalk up or shake out your forearms.
Exercise palming and stemming
Palming
Find an easy boulder problem. Preferably on a slab wall. Before moving a feet to the next hold, try to find a place on the wall to palm one of your hands.
Stemming
Preferably in a gym with opposing walls in a corner. Also possible in narrow hallway. Press with your palms and feet simultaneously to practice counterpressure and balance. Try moving one limb at a time to climb upwards.