The close grip technique:
The closed grip encompasses the most natural form of gripping anything. This grip is how we lift most things, so it is only natural that this grip is most common in all forms of weightlifting. The fingers are wrapped around the bar with the thumb placed on the outside of the fingers to the side of the index finger. It is because of this grip that lifting straps and gloves have become so popular. While lifting heavy weights your fingers will lose grip before you are finished with the lift.
The hook grip technique:
This grip is the answer to any weightlifter that has found their fingers cannot keep up with the strength of their upper body. This grip is promoted for Olympic lifting and encouraged for the snatch and the clean and jerk. The basic difference between this and the closed grip is that the thumb is repositioned underneath the fingers. Ignoring what feels natural, the thumb should be firmly wrapped around the bar with the fingers placed over the thumb. In this way the thumb is gripping the bar and the fingers are gripping the thumb, this allows for a better grip and a more powerful lift. It has been shown that greater weights can be lifted using this grip.
