Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • Guest Post
    • Contact Us
    Trek AmazeTrek Amaze
    • Climbing
    • Ice Climbing
      • Snowball
      • Avalanche
    • Rock Climbing
      • Rappelling
    • Hiking
    • Bouldering
    • Mountaineering
    Trek AmazeTrek Amaze
    Home»Climbing»Ice Climbing Technique: Figure Fours and Figure Nines

    Ice Climbing Technique: Figure Fours and Figure Nines

    By Harshita Mehra
    lori jakab UaMQMjso0L4 unsplash | Ice Climbing Technique: Figure Fours and Figure Nines
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp

    Figure fours and figure nines are employed to maintain your core tight and engaged when there are no appropriate foothold alternatives. You can anchor your body in a given posture and push off of your leg to stretch higher by looping your leg around your arm in this manner. This enables you to reach long distances statically Figure fours and nines are commonly used by ice climbers on overhung terrain when there are no solid foothold options.

    We’ve gone over each technique in greater depth in the following guide before discussing when you might want to apply it.

    Table of Contents

    • What is a Figure Four?
    • What’s a Figure Nine?
        • Ice and Mixed Climbing
      • Training
      • Rock Climbing

    What is a Figure Four?

    When hanging from ice axes, figure four is a method in which you wrap one of your legs overtop of your opposite arm. Wrap your right leg around your left arm or your left leg around your right arm in this manner.

    You must be hanging from good handholds on fairly over-hung terrain to accomplish his posture. Pull your legs up to your chest in a tuck posture and stretch one of your legs. Twist your body sideways and wrap the leg overtop of your left arm once this leg is fully stretched.

    Rest your leg so that the crook of your knee is wrapped around your elbow, which will assist maintain it in place. You may now remove your right handhold and still hang in a controlled position from this position.

    Figure four can be in one of three positions: high, middle, or low. Your body hangs relaxed from the ax, your arm practically straight, and your head and torso are level with your knee in the low figure four position.

    Low is the most common, but it’s also the hardest to get out of because you have to lift your full body weight with just one arm.

    High and medium figure four stances, on the other hand, are more difficult to maintain yet provide more power when reaching or stretching. Your anchoring arm stays more bent in these postures, and you sit further forwards, relying on your core to keep you upright.

    Figure four has some advantages and disadvantages. The following are some of the advantages:

    • It allows you to navigate overhung terrain: Figure fours are ideal for extremely steep terrain with minimal footholds, as we already said. Wrapping your leg around your arm generates a foothold out of thin air.
    • It allows for static movement: Long reaches can be performed using figure fours without the need to swing dynamically.
    • It can hold you in place: Figure fours can be a fantastic alternative to needing to go to campus if you’re putting in gear or simply want to locate a pleasant spot to hang out for a few seconds (climb with no footholds). It’ll keep you firmly affixed to the wall.
    • It allows you to free up an arm: If you don’t have any footholds and need to use your hand for something (changing a position, pulling gear, finding your next hold), figure four is much more comfortable than hanging from your axes.
    • It drags your axis downwards: You may come across relatively small placements that are readily cut loose when ice or mixed climbing. Pulling downwards is frequently more stable than pulling laterally in certain conditions. You tend to ‘push’ yourself in one way when using a foothold, which can lead to a fall. Figure fours allow you to weigh your axes downwards, which helps to keep them in place.

    However, there are also some disadvantages to this position:

    • It’s tiring: Hanging in a figure four pose for long periods can be taxing. Your arms, core, shoulders, hip flexors, and glutes will be put to the test. Not to mention the fact that your entire body weight is supported by one hand, putting a tremendous amount of tension on your forearm.
    • It can make falls awkward: If your ice axes lose their grip and you fall, you’ll be hanging from the ceiling with one leg wrapped around the other in an awkward position.

    The most significant disadvantage of figure four is how taxing it is. Getting into that position and then keeping it for any length of time is exhausting. As a result, you must ensure that you use it at the appropriate moments.

    woman rock climbing inside building
    photo 1546872041 03da29ccc3f3?ixlib=rb 1.2 | Ice Climbing Technique: Figure Fours and Figure Nines

    What’s a Figure Nine?

    Figure nine is similar to figure four, except instead of wrapping your leg over the arm on which you’ll be resting your weight, you wrap it around the same arm. Figure nines have much of the same benefits and drawbacks as figure four, with a few notable exceptions.

    First, his position is less comfortable to sustain for an extended period due to the way his leg moves, thus it’s not ideal for resting or placing stuff.

    Because of the inside orientation of the leg, they’re great for lateral reaches when you need to move sideways. In addition, if you’re ever in a situation where only one of your hands is firm, a figure nine instead of a figure four might be essential.

    Ice and Mixed Climbing

    When you’re on challenging, overhung ice and/or mixed terrain, these tactics are particularly useful.

    Traditional ice climbing doesn’t have much room for figure fours because of the steep vertical walls and long, runout pitches. When you’re on overhung terrain, though, these moves come in handy for placing items or performing difficult moves with limited footholds. They also enable you to conduct long reaches without danger your equipment being dislodged.

    man wearing red jacket and pants
    photo 1546872041 03da29ccc3f3?ixlib=rb 1.2 | Ice Climbing Technique: Figure Fours and Figure Nines

    Training

    Figure fours are also great training tools for ice climbing, dry tooling, and bouldering, among other disciplines. They put a lot of strain on your core, shoulders, and arms, so you’ll be in great form for your next difficult project. We recommend that you teach them somewhere with firm handholds and something soft underneath you in case you fall.

    man in white and black jacket and black pants standing on gray concrete floor
    photo 1546872041 03da29ccc3f3?ixlib=rb 1.2 | Ice Climbing Technique: Figure Fours and Figure Nines

    Rock Climbing

    woman in wall climbing
    photo 1546872041 03da29ccc3f3?ixlib=rb 1.2 | Ice Climbing Technique: Figure Fours and Figure Nines

    Finally, these strategies can be used to specific moves while bouldering. These maneuvers aren’t very common, but they might assist you to maintain a decent body position in specific situations. Figure fours/figure nines can assist you in doing a long reach to a problematic hold statically.

    showing us the advanced one handed ... x

    To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

    showing us the advanced one handed clipping technique 🤣🤣 on Neolithic M11+
    Previous ArticleMixed Climbing Grades: Everything You Need to Know
    Next Article Different Types of Rappelling

    Related Posts

    Are Steel Toed Boots Good for Hiking

    Are Steel Toed Boots Good for Hiking

    best climbing pants | Exciting benefits of climbing pants?

    Exciting benefits of climbing pants?

    maxresdefault | Why K2 Is More Dangerous Than Everest

    Why K2 Is More Dangerous Than Everest

    eric molten2edit social | 11 Simple Projecting Tips for Rock Climbing

    11 Simple Projecting Tips for Rock Climbing

    helmet buying guide | Climbing Helmet vs Bike Helmet – Can I Wear my Bike Helmet for Climbing?

    Climbing Helmet vs Bike Helmet – Can I Wear my Bike Helmet for Climbing?

    1 Q95Z70grwqX85tLCdK YeA | 12 Amazing Lessons I've Learned From Rock Climbing

    12 Amazing Lessons I’ve Learned From Rock Climbing

    181012 mens health degree clint carter 0177 1540924129 | 8 great tips for rock climbing preparation and bouldering

    8 great tips for rock climbing preparation and bouldering

    Climbing Shoes Advice How to Clean Climbing Shoes | Exciting Way to Clean Climbing and Bouldering Shoes

    Exciting Way to Clean Climbing and Bouldering Shoes

    COMMONMISTAKES | How to Avoid these 7 Dreadful Climbing and Bouldering Training Mistakes

    How to Avoid these 7 Dreadful Climbing and Bouldering Training Mistakes

    d02cf9af 6bbf 4d7b 993e 4c0981c9fe65 | 21 Reasons Why Bouldering Is So Popular

    21 Reasons Why Bouldering Is So Popular

    DSC9428 | 5 Best Bouldering Shoes and Climbing Shoes for Women

    5 Best Bouldering Shoes and Climbing Shoes for Women

    2J36ZHSAPFAGJAVCOQI6U2U3K4 | 7 Perfect Sledding Spots in Southern California

    7 Perfect Sledding Spots in Southern California

    83d8ba56 63e1 4928 ae35 e9fff485d5bf Bayside Sledding 01855 | 9 Best Sleds You Can Buy Online

    9 Best Sleds You Can Buy Online

    img 5907 margo e294ace28c90jenniejariel | Why Climbers Need Mobility, The Exciting Way To Get It

    Why Climbers Need Mobility, The Exciting Way To Get It

    gunks alan scaled 1 | The Gunks, New York Climbing Destination Guide

    The Gunks, New York Climbing Destination Guide

    muscular man doing pull ups on horizontal bar royalty free image 1578937146 | The Exciting Scapular Pull-Up For Climbing

    The Exciting Scapular Pull-Up For Climbing

    barbell lift squat 1200x628 facebook | 4 Exciting Ways for Conditioning of Climbers : Fitness and Strength Are Not the Same

    4 Exciting Ways for Conditioning of Climbers : Fitness and Strength Are Not the Same

    dsc06775 | How to Stretch Climbing Shoes: Ultimate Guide

    How to Stretch Climbing Shoes: Ultimate Guide

    icb 050817 008 ice snow protection lg | Can you ice climb a waterfall?

    Can you ice climb a waterfall?

    Rock Climbing Moves Techniques 1 | 7 EXCITING BOULDERING & CLIMBING MOVES FOR BEGINNERS

    7 EXCITING BOULDERING & CLIMBING MOVES FOR BEGINNERS

    1.SRX CLIMBING TRANSITION1.JPG Nsf4piC | How to Transition from Indoor to Exciting Outdoor Climbing

    How to Transition from Indoor to Exciting Outdoor Climbing

    maxresdefault e1460585315200 1024x684 1 | Top 10 Best Climbing Movies of All Time

    Top 10 Best Climbing Movies of All Time

    adam ondra scream climbing h | Why Do Rock Climbers Scream?

    Why Do Rock Climbers Scream?

    slabs article 1400x | What Is Slab Climbing? + 7 Exciting Slab Climbing Technique Tips

    What Is Slab Climbing? + 7 Exciting Slab Climbing Technique Tips

    main qimg 6b26d392ce283aeb649cfebf86dc5b44 | How Do Rock Climbers Get Down?- It Can Be A Challenge !

    How Do Rock Climbers Get Down?- It Can Be A Challenge !

    431A3955 min 1024x683 2 | What Is Sport Climbing? – Everything in 1 Article!

    What Is Sport Climbing? – Everything in 1 Article!

    alex honnold from above | What Is Free Climbing? – Rock Climbing’s Most Commonly Mistaken Term

    What Is Free Climbing? – Rock Climbing’s Most Commonly Mistaken Term

    maxresdefault 5 | What Is A Sandbag In Climbing? – Climbing Jargon Explained

    What Is A Sandbag In Climbing? – Climbing Jargon Explained

    rinckenberger 111815 1821 main lg | What Does Climbing Onsight Mean? – Climbing Jargon Explained

    What Does Climbing Onsight Mean? – Climbing Jargon Explained

    StickClips 0 1200x630 1 | Best Clip Stick – The Secret To Safer Climbing

    Best Clip Stick – The Secret To Safer Climbing

    chalk | Best Liquid Chalk For Climbing | Why Some Prefer It

    Best Liquid Chalk For Climbing | Why Some Prefer It

    8526 | What To Wear Indoor Rock Climbing – 11 Surprisingly Simple Tips + Answers

    What To Wear Indoor Rock Climbing – 11 Surprisingly Simple Tips + Answers

    learn speed climbing 1545136441 | What is Speed Climbing? The Basics You Need to Know

    What is Speed Climbing? The Basics You Need to Know

    zsrvyafypjxgqyoxdost | What Is Speed Climbing? – The New Olympic Sport Explained

    What Is Speed Climbing? – The New Olympic Sport Explained

    maxresdefault 4 | Can You Wear Socks with Rock Climbing Shoes?

    Can You Wear Socks with Rock Climbing Shoes?

    rock climbing shoes wall outdoors h | Different Types of Climbing Shoes

    Different Types of Climbing Shoes

    hiking | What Material Provides Warmth Even When Wet

    What Material Provides Warmth Even When Wet

    Gym to Crag 2 | Is Outdoor Bouldering Harder than Indoor Bouldering?

    Is Outdoor Bouldering Harder than Indoor Bouldering?

    9 Benefits of Hiking | Top 10 benefits of Mountaineering

    Top 10 benefits of Mountaineering

    unnamed 3 | How Much Water Do You Need for Hiking and Mountaineering?

    How Much Water Do You Need for Hiking and Mountaineering?

    Buy Me A Coffee
    Are Steel Toed Boots Good for Hiking

    Are Steel Toed Boots Good for Hiking

    February 16, 2022
    best climbing pants | Exciting benefits of climbing pants?

    Exciting benefits of climbing pants?

    February 16, 2022
    maxresdefault | Why K2 Is More Dangerous Than Everest

    Why K2 Is More Dangerous Than Everest

    January 23, 2022
    eric molten2edit social | 11 Simple Projecting Tips for Rock Climbing

    11 Simple Projecting Tips for Rock Climbing

    November 23, 2021
    download 10 | Is Rappelling Dangerous? Tips on How to Stay Safe!

    Is Rappelling Dangerous? Tips on How to Stay Safe!

    July 29, 2021
    icb 050817 008 ice snow protection lg | Can you ice climb a waterfall?

    Can you ice climb a waterfall?

    November 9, 2021
    unnamed 3 | How Much Water Do You Need for Hiking and Mountaineering?

    How Much Water Do You Need for Hiking and Mountaineering?

    October 24, 2021
    barbell lift squat 1200x628 facebook | 4 Exciting Ways for Conditioning of Climbers : Fitness and Strength Are Not the Same

    4 Exciting Ways for Conditioning of Climbers : Fitness and Strength Are Not the Same

    November 11, 2021
    Hiker standing on a rock watching a snow covered mountain | 14 Best Ways to Preserve Your Knees on Long Hikes

    14 Best Ways to Preserve Your Knees on Long Hikes

    November 6, 2021
    Rjukan ice climbing private guided day tours 3 1024x768 1 | Avalanche Risk While Ice Climbing: Should You Carry Gear?

    Avalanche Risk While Ice Climbing: Should You Carry Gear?

    July 20, 2021
    2J36ZHSAPFAGJAVCOQI6U2U3K4 | 7 Perfect Sledding Spots in Southern California

    7 Perfect Sledding Spots in Southern California

    November 15, 2021
    1296x728 How to Lose Butt Fat 10 Effective Exercises Rock climbing | Is Rock Climbing Good for your Back

    Is Rock Climbing Good for your Back

    October 7, 2021
    83d8ba56 63e1 4928 ae35 e9fff485d5bf Bayside Sledding 01855 | 9 Best Sleds You Can Buy Online

    9 Best Sleds You Can Buy Online

    November 15, 2021
    181012 mens health degree clint carter 0177 1540924129 | 8 great tips for rock climbing preparation and bouldering

    8 great tips for rock climbing preparation and bouldering

    November 21, 2021
    Hiker standing on a rock watching a snow covered mountain | 14 Best Ways to Preserve Your Knees on Long Hikes

    14 Best Ways to Preserve Your Knees on Long Hikes

    November 6, 2021
    perfect time for your kids to start rock climbing 1024x577 1 | Bouldering for Toddlers and Kids: Safety, Tips and Rules

    Bouldering for Toddlers and Kids: Safety, Tips and Rules

    October 1, 2021
    Trek Amaze
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Vimeo YouTube
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • End-User License Agreement (“Agreement”)
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Guest Post
    © 2022 Trekamaze. Designed by Trekamaze.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.