| Type | Body-position technique |
| Does | Twists hips to wall, shortens reach |
| Best on | Steep / overhanging rock |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
A drop knee, also called an Egyptian, is a technique where you turn one knee inward and downward while your foot is on a hold, twisting your hips toward the wall to bring your reach closer and take weight off your arms. It is especially useful on steep, overhanging terrain with opposing footholds.
How it works
Point one knee down over a foothold and rotate your hips into the wall — this turns you sideways, shortens the reach, and lets you hang on straighter arms.
When to use it
On overhanging rock with two opposing footholds, where it turns a pumpy reach into an efficient one. It complements flagging for steep-wall body position.
Frequently asked questions
What is a drop knee in climbing?
A drop knee is a move where you point one knee down and inward over a foothold, rotating your hips to face and press toward the wall. This turns your body sideways, shortens the distance to the next hold, and lets you hang with straighter, more rested arms.
When do you use a drop knee?
On steep and overhanging climbing where there are two opposing footholds to push between. The drop knee locks your body in, takes weight off your fingers, and often makes an otherwise long reach feel close and controlled.
Why does a drop knee help?
By twisting the hips into the wall, it brings your shoulders closer to the rock and lets you press through the legs, reducing the load on your arms. It can turn a powerful, pumpy sequence into a more efficient, static one.
Sources
- Climbing movement — American Alpine Club