Old Forum DL training with clean grip

[Rob Lawrence]

I love using the clean grip. When I trained with it in 2004, I almost made it to four wheels before I had to finally start using the reverse grip. I felt very strong and the workouts felt biomechanically correct.

I've just started training the DL again and once again, I enjoy the pure, parallel feeling of the clean grip. My preference is to stay with it until I can't hold on, then reverse in one direction (I prefer left palm forward and right in normal position).

Question though: might training this way affect my technique for a maximum pull? In other words, should I practice reverse grip even with sub-max weights so I'm fully grooved that way when trying to max? Let me know your thoughts and experience.

If I was actually DLing for a living I'd start using the hook grip and go through that adjustment. Squashed thumbs aren't on my agenda though.

Rob

 

[Pavel]

Rob, the hook grip is worth it. Use it only on singles and doubles and strap in for higher reps.

 

[Steve Freides]

Rob, I've been known to pull my openers in meets using a clean grip - why not?  If it works for you and it feels good, I say you go with it.  I like it better for the reasons you give - it makes your grip stronger and there's no worry about "helicoptering" the bar.

About which hand goes which way, my understanding is that most people do best with their non-dominant (read: weaker) hand in the underhand position - if you're a rightie, then that fits with what you describe.  NB: Most, but not all, people seem to work this way.

If I'm working up to 3 sets, 3 heavy singles, or something along those lines, I'll usually do the  first one both hands over, the second with my weaker over/under combo (for me, left over and right under, and my third attempt with my strongest over/under grip.  This works for me in training, too.  If you're going to go over/under, I'd mix them - even if you always do your heaviest pulls with your favored over/under, it's good to keep some balance by doing them the other way at least some of the time, IMHO.

Pavel, I can hook grip and did it for a while in training but I had a problem and perhaps you can comment - I felt like I couldn't really get that extra CNS boost from my grip when I was hooking.  Maybe I just didn't want to crush my thumbs more than I already was, but I gave it up for that reason - I just felt stronger with a regular grip.  Maybe I just need to DL heavier ...

-S-

 

[Rob Lawrence]

Pavel, if it's coming from you I know it's not macho-for-macho's-sake. I'll start working on it.

 

[Rob Lawrence]

Someone got a link to good source on breaking into the hook?