3 Flagging Drills to Improve Your Rock Climbing Technique

Climbing jargon can feel like a secret language. Climbers have names for different holds, movements, and techniques, including flagging. If you've heard someone say, "I flagged out to the right" or "Did you try flagging?" but aren't sure how to do it, you're not alone.

Flagging can help you balance, shift your center of gravity, and move efficiently when a foothold isn't available. These three flagging drills will help you practice the technique and make it a more natural part of your climbing.

What Is Flagging in Rock Climbing?

Flagging is extending one leg against the wall or out to the side to create leverage and balance instead of placing it on a foothold. It can help you counterbalance your body, shift your center of gravity, or bring your hips closer to the wall.

There are three common types of flags:

Outside Flag

With your opposite hand and foot anchored to the wall, extend your free leg to the side opposite the direction you're reaching. This creates a counterbalance and can help you stay stable as you move.

Back Flag

Keep one foot anchored on a hold and cross your free leg behind it, on the side farther from the wall. This shifts your center of gravity and can make the next move feel more controlled.

Inside Flag

Bring your free leg in front of your anchored leg, between that leg and the wall. An inside flag can help you stay upright and keep your hips closer to the wall, especially on overhangs.

3 Flagging Drills for Climbing

Once you understand the positions, practice them deliberately. These drills help you recognize when a flag will create better balance instead of forcing the movement onto every climb.

1. Force Flags on Every Move

Choose a boulder well within your ability and challenge yourself to use a flag on every move. Not every move calls for one, so the goal isn't to force an awkward position. Instead, look for the flag that creates the most efficient body position.

For an extra challenge, limit yourself to one flagging variation for the entire climb. If the movement feels unclear, film an attempt and watch it back in slow motion. Look for the moment you lose balance or get stuck, then try a different hip, leg, or hand position on the next attempt.

2. Climb With One Foot

Flagging often compensates for a lack of usable footholds. To practice that skill, choose an easy-to-moderate climb you can complete comfortably and use only your left foot on footholds. Let your right leg flag when your body naturally needs the extra balance. Don't worry about using a flag on every move. Focus on noticing how your body adjusts.

Rest, then repeat the climb while using only your right foot on footholds. Start on easier climbs because this drill can be surprisingly taxing. Increase the difficulty only when the movement feels controlled.

3. Hover Hands: Flagging Edition

The traditional hover hands drill builds lock-off strength and precision by requiring you to pause before taking a hold. For the flagging version, set a flag, reach toward the next handhold, and hover your hand for 2 to 3 seconds before grabbing it. Keep the flag active while your hand hovers, then take the hold and repeat.

This drill trains active core engagement and control through the flagging leg. If you lose the position, step down, reset, and try again on a climb with less reach or a more comfortable grade.

Tips for Better Flagging

As you practice flags and add these drills to your climbing sessions, keep these tips in mind:

• Drive your foot or toe into the wall to create leverage.

• Keep your core engaged throughout the movement.

• Straighten your arms if you're struggling to find the position. This gives your hips more room to move.

• Start on easy climbs and focus on building technique, not getting pumped.

Some of these drills are taxing, even on easier routes. Keep the difficulty manageable so you can focus on body position and control.

When in Doubt, Flag It Out

If you find yourself with only one secure foot on the wall, consider whether an outside, back, or inside flag could help you counterbalance, shift your center of gravity, or bring your hips closer to the wall for the next hold.

Flags can feel clunky at first, but with practice, they'll become a more natural way to move efficiently. Start with one drill per session, keep the difficulty manageable, and pay attention to which flag helps you stay balanced.

Still have questions? Leave a comment about the flagging movement you'd like to see broken down next.