Hook grip question.

[tim9]

This might sound like a stupid question but it got me thinking. In SS:BBT, in the Power clean chapter, when describing the hook grip it says: ?The friction of the finger against the thumb is amplified by the weight of the bar squeezing the grip components together, and makes for a much more secure grip then can be produced by grip strength alone?.

So, would a hook grip be useful when performing a deadlift? When weight gets sufficiently heavy, would it be advantageous to use the hook grip instead of the alternate grip, or straps?

Thanks.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Lots of people deadlift with a hook grip, even an alternate hook grip.

[Stephen Flamm]

Coach -

I have been curious about this issue as well. By "alternate hook grip" do you mean with one hand supinated, or do you mean an alternate variation of the grip itself, as in which finger the thumb in touching? Is there a reason why the friction between the middle finger and the thumbnail is greater than that of the thumb on the nail of any of the other fingers (as in a tradition grip)? Wouldn't the bar equally amplify this friction regardless of which digit is on top of which?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Alternate means one prone and one supine. And most people can only reach their middle fingernail with the thumb due to human hand configuration. And the thumb goes underneath the middle finger because the other way won't work. The overlap that way would not be under the bar, but off to the side, and the weight of the bar would not be holding the grip together. The thumb is the weak link, and the fingers under the thumb mash it up into the bar and the friction ties the grip together. If the thumb is not directly under the bar being held in place by friction and pressure from the fingers, there is no advantage to the grip.

[galapogos]

Hook grip is the best for deadlifts man. I swear by it...

[Mark Rippetoe]

Maybe not once you get over 600.