Thumbless grip on OHP

[mjh]

There's been a little discussion about using a false grip (that is, thumbless) on the OHP, starting mainly in this thread about MikeD's attendance at a Jim Wendler seminar, where big Jim recommended it.

I think the natural reaction is to be wary of this, as we have seen or heard of bad injuries happening with the suicide grip on bench press. But is it different for the OHP? Is it unsafe to use a thumbless grip on the OHP? Is there any benefit in bar tracking and force production? Anyone tried it?

Discuss.

[mjh]

I've tried it, using my admittedly puny OHP weight. I didn't feel at any greater risk, and I would agree that for some reason the bar tracks a little better using it. I'm not 100% sold on it, and still have a slight unease about putting a bar above my head with a thumbless grip, but I think it warrants further experimentation.

[ricepower]

Richie Patterson seems to do it as part of his jerks.

[Sid]

I tried it, and while it did feel like the bar tracked better, it just didn't feel as secure in my hands and so overall I didn't find it any easier. Like with the bench press, I find the OHP is easiest when I'm gripping the bar like I'm trying to break it - I couldn't really do that with the false grip.

[holvoetn]

I am not convinced yet (only tried it yesterday for the first time) but first experience tells me this is something to be watched.
Mind you, I only do seated OHP which on itself is already a bit different from OHP.

[RobCosimo]

I like it, except I feel I lift less explosively and I slow down near the top. It does feel different, in a good way, for me.

[NorthstarUK]

I've switched to thumbless for OHP as it feel's somehow more comfortable, and a little stronger.

I haven't felt any risk of losing the bar yet!

[Mehdi]

Aside from the safety, you can't squeeze your hands as hard.

[coroho]

I tried it today and it felt really natural. I always had to set and reset my hands before but this way I could just grab it a go. Didn't notice much of a difference strength or effectiveness wise. Feels good man.

[Wellhairedbeast]

I have been trying it lately since hearing it mentioned in the Wendler thread.

I really can't make my mind up about it, i agree with what Mehdi says regarding not being able to squeeze the bar as hard - which helps me focus my efforts in the bench and reach lockout.

I haven't felt a safety issue but i am using chalk now, if my hands were sweaty i imagine it might be an issue as the weight increases. I might keep experimenting with it for a while, but so far i have felt no reason to make a long term change.

[MikeD]

I see it as a trade off. The bar does indeed track better because it's closer to the heel of your palm (where else can it go?), but your ability to squeeze the bar is diminished. I like it, but is it a deal breaker? I don't know yet. Jim has pressed 300 with a pretty strict military style press, so it works for him, at least.

[bkklift]

Like you MJH, I tried a thumbless grip after reading the Wendler seminar thread. Conclusion...didn't like it. The movement was fine but the (perhaps perceived) instability of the bar was distracting. Maybe I should give it a longer go rather than just two workouts but I don't see any real benefit to switching and a few possible downsides.

[Cleave]

When I started lifting I was using the thumbless grip on both the bench and OHP, I never had any problems and felt comfortable. However, I also used gloves and used the over/under dead lift grip (thankfully I never got around to buying a belt.)

Point is, from the beginning I wanted to develp good habits all around whether grip or anything else and I didn't want to use a technique that was easier for the sake of being easier.


Cleave

[Leot]

I agree with Sid and Mehdi - you can put more up on the press when you are gripping the bar HARD.

[rere]

I tried the thumbless grip as well and found it to be ok. Although in my experience of Pressing it feels so much better when the bar is squeezed hard with the thumbs around the bar. Also feels a lot safer too, to me anyway. Guess it's a case of what your used to, as a general rule for any beginners I think it would be prudent to grip the bar with the thumbs included until one get's proficient with the Press. Interesting topic Micheal.