Deadlift Grip - The Unsung Hero of a Strong Pull
Deadlift grip is incredibly important for success when pulling big weight, and this becomes even more true as you progress through your lifting career and you’re pushing higher 1-rep maxes.
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In strength training, grip strength is what’s known as a limiting factor. A limiting factor is something that completely halts a lift or progress due to its capped level of abilities.
So in this scenario, your deadlift can only be as strong as what your grip can handle. Even if your back is strong, if your grip fails, then your deadlift progress will be halted.
Note: You can use straps to pull bigger numbers, but for this video we’re not discussing them.
There are three common grip styles for the deadlift and each have their benefits and drawbacks.
1. Double Overhand
Benefits: Great for building overall grip, hand, and forearm strength.
Drawbacks: You’ll be limited lifting to what your grip can handle.
2. Hook Grip
Benefits: Extremely secure and can be used in competition, also, it promotes symmetrical back development.
Drawbacks: Long and uncomfortable acclimation period.
3. Mixed Grip
Benefits: Extremely secure for competition and training, also, this grip is useful when working on bars with poor knurling.
Drawbacks: Asymmetric back development to a small degree.
All of these grip styles can be useful in training, and one’s grip preference should come down to their training and competition goals!