A method in underground coal mining for separating the upper coal of the seam from the roof during the advancement of the upper sliding cap of a support frame, wherein the front edge of the cap is forced in a plane of the cap between the upper coal to be separated and the rock from which the coal is to be separated. During the advancement of the sliding cap, the sliding cap is alternatingly moved backwardly and forwardly, so that the from edge of the sliding cap separates the upper coal during its forward movement. Alternatively or additionally, when the front edge of the sliding cap contacts the upper coal, alternatingly higher and lower pressure can be admitted to the sliding cap in order to obtain a shaking effect. In this combined method, the sliding cap is advanced, the shaking procedure is carried out as the front edge contacts the upper coal, and the sliding cap is subsequently moved backwardly. The cycle is then repeated several times.