Pinches

Pinches are holds with edges on either side that allow you to position your thumb opposite your other digits. Sometimes it will be too wide to fit around if you have small hands or too small to get your thumb on if you have big hands. But mostly every time you see a pinch you want to try and get your thumb around it. The thumb adds an opposing force (the squeeze) and engages differently from other holds so you will almost always feel more secure with the thumb on. Technically, any hold in which the use of the thumb in opposition improves the hold’s positivity is a pinch. Pinches require significant hand strength to use. Usually, you can use them on more challenging routes and boulder problems.