Using the hook grip in Olympic weightlifting is highly recommended for several important reasons:
- Enhanced Grip Strength: The hook grip is known for significantly improving grip strength. It involves wrapping your fingers around the barbell with your thumb inside, creating a secure and strong grip. This extra grip strength allows you to lift heavier weights more comfortably! You wont have to worry about the bar slipping out of your hands.
- Improved Bar Control: The Olympic lifts rely heavily on precise movements, and maintaining control of the barbell is essential. The hook grip minimizes the rotation of the bar within your hands, providing better control over its movement. It also frees up the arms to do their job. During the first and second pull, you should not carry much tension in the arms.
- Comfort & Proper Angles: Using the hook grip promotes a more stable wrist position during the lifts. Besides, you can’t use mixed grip (or straps) when performing the lifts properly anyway! (and just kidding, it’s not comfortable)
- Consistency and Confidence: The hook grip offers a consistent and reliable grip on the barbell, minimizing the chances of losing control during a lift. This consistency can boost your confidence, helping you perform at your best during training sessions and competitions. With a secure grip, you can focus more on perfecting your technique and less on worrying about your grip.
Unfortunately, the only drawback is that the hook grip is very uncomfortable when you first start using it, but we all must fight through the discomfort! As we see it, the hook grip is non-negotiable when performing the snatch and clean & jerk!