EFFECTIVE METHODS OF GRIP STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT

JACE DERWIN, CSCS

D
evelopment of grip strength is often overlooked methods and protocols provided in this article will demonstrate
in traditional resistance training programs. This low cost methods of improving grip strength for various sport
underdevelopment can manifest itself as a weak link performance needs.
in the kinetic chain involved in many field, combat, and
rotational sports. Rightfully, a priority of any program’s goals GRIP STRENGTH AS A PERFORMANCE VARIABLE
should be to maximize the strength and power within major Often seen in sports with a demand for rotational power (e.g.,
motor patterns associated with the performance and needs golf, baseball, and tennis), athletes use force generated from the
analysis of the given sport (5,6). Those qualities have a greater lower body and transfer that force into the distal segments of
impact on overall athletic ability and should be developed the hand and fingers via what practitioners label as the “kinetic
continually as part of a long-term athletic development plan. chain.” Force is produced from the legs and hips into the ground,
Additionally, making small alterations to traditional movements transferred through the torso, and makes its way into the hands
and supplementing a periodized resistance training program and implement. Efficient sequencing of these movements leads to
with grip-specific movements may benefit athletes in a variety faster angular velocities of the distal segments, which is typically
of ways. Typically, grip-specific training can be performed the hands. While the actual contribution of force from the muscles
directly using specialized equipment. While effective, these of the hands and forearms are negligible, the transfer of force is
tools can be expensive for coaches at the high school and a valuable factor. The muscles of the forearms, hands, and fingers
small college level, and be non-functional for group training are tasked with the final transfer of power through the kinetic
environments. Instead, using training methods that can improve sequencing of rotational movements. Development of functional
grip strength indirectly while facilitating the development grip qualities may provide an advantage in various sports relying
of the program’s primary goals may be most desirable. on the hands and forearms as the last link in the kinetic chain. This
principle is demonstrated in implement-based sports, where an
Grip strengthening may be a secondary or tertiary goal in the increase in grip firmness reduces impact recoil and improves the
annual development plan for athletes, but its training can be done exit-velocity of the intended target (4). The stronger the grip on
with little expense or needs for special equipment. Small program the implement, the less distraction occurs during contact with the
adjustments that target grip strength and improve its function can intended target. Less distraction upon contact allows for greater
be implemented without large sacrifices to time or resources. The energy conservation, which is of high value to athletes involved in

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sports where imparting high exit-velocities on a target is the handle of a kettlebell increases the diameter and instability of
beneficial. This is especially significant when it comes to off-center movements like the kettlebell swing (Figures 13 and 14). Figures 1 –
impacts where the distractive forces are often at their greatest. 16 demonstrate different exercise modifications that can be
made using a towel on a standard bar, dumbbell, kettlebell, and
Within combat and sports that intrinsically have high levels of pull-up bar.
physical contact, grip strength can be an important factor for
subduing or controlling an opponent. Wrestlers, judokas, and PLATE PINCHING AND PLATE FLIPS
grappling athletes have a specific need for high levels of both grip Pinching strength is the application of force from the fingers to
strength and endurance (1,7). Increasing the functional strength the thumb. The functional abilities of this hand position can be
of the hands and forearms in specific positons is beneficial to utilized in “precision-handling” tasks and should be considered
improving an athlete’s ability to manipulate their environment, in the strength programs for athletes who need to develop more
objects, or opponents. finely-tuned grip strength qualities of the hands and fingers (e.g.,
baseball pitchers, cricket bowlers, rock climbers, etc.) (8). Forceful
GRIP STRENGTH TRAINING CONSIDERATIONS pinching involves greater stress on the tendons of the forearm
The muscles of the flexors in the hand and forearm create gripping than a crushing grip position (3). Weighted pinching is a simple
force, while the extensors of the forearm stabilize the wrist (13). and effective method of improving the strength of the fingers
Exercises aimed at improving grip strength should stress the utilized in the pinching grip (Figures 17 – 20). Pinching two plates
flexors to improve the amount of force produced in gripping of equal weight together for an established amount of time is an
actions, while the extensors of the forearm should also be trained exercise that can be easily implemented in most weight rooms.
to improve the endurance and stability of the hands and wrist Pinches can be done with one or two hands. Isolating specific
against an external load. In grip training, there are three main grip fingers or groupings of fingers can allow for more specificity
holds: crushing (finger to palm), pinching (finger to thumb), and within the resistance training program depending on the needs of
supporting (carrying a load for distance or time). Implementing the athlete or the demands of the sport.
movements that help stress each distinct variation promotes
specific grip strength adaptations. Maximal strength or muscular Performing plate flips with bumper plates is a dynamic movement
endurance can be developed using these varied movements (12). that is specific to pinching grip strength (Figure 21 – 23). Plate
Specific training implements can be costly, and are often designed flips can be performed with two hands as well (Figures 24 – 26),
for individual use rather than a team training environment. which allows for variation while training for sport specificity.
Therefore, the strength and conditioning professional should Adding more plates to pinching holds, using heavier plates for
consider methods that are easy to use and can be modified for pinches and flips, or using more challenging grip positions are
different training ages. One of the most efficient ways to enhance ways to develop pinch grip strength and endurance progressively.
grip strength is through simple manipulation of pre-existing Figures 17 – 26 demonstrate different varieties of pinch holds that
training implements like dumbbells, barbells, and pull-up bars. can be done using weighted plates.

METHODS TO DEVELOP CRUSHING GRIP WEIGHTED CARRIES

Gripping larger diameter objects with a crushing grip requires Holding heavy loads while moving is a way to develop strength
higher muscular force (compared to gripping smaller objects) (3). for the supporting grip position. Additionally, weighted carries
Wrapping a hand towel around a barbell or dumbbell increases replicate real-life challenges involved in daily living, are a known
the circumference of the gripping surface and alters the stability training method used by strongperson athletes to develop grip
between the hand and the implement (Figures 1 – 6). Using towels strength and core strength, and have been used to measure
allows athletes to train with movements they are accustomed anaerobic capacity (14,15,16). While often performed with special
to without making significant alterations to program design or equipment, farmer’s walks can be performed with common
purchasing expensive training tools.  dumbbells (Figures 27 – 28). Depending on the needs of the sport,
an athlete may require many different hand and wrist positions
An unstable load requires advanced levels of stabilizing strength that should be specifically trained to have maximum transfer to
from the hands as well as the forearms (12). This requires an their sport or activity (11). Carrying exercises that train isometric
athlete to apply greater than normal squeezing force with the holding strength and endurance are specifically beneficial to
hand and forearm to complete the desired action and recruits the combat sports, where grip may play a key role (1,7). Using a
forearm extensors to stabilize the wrist. Hanging a towel or pair variety of implements for different weighted carries can keep
of towels from a pull-up bar mimics normal pull-ups, but adds the athletes engaged in new challenges while promoting strength
challenge of an unstable gripping surface (Figures 7 – 10). Similar through different grips.
methods can be implemented to the bent-over row (Figures 5
and 6) and the inverted row (Figures 11 – 12). By resisting gravity Grasping dumbbells from a single end can challenge the
and bodyweight, towel pull-ups stress the flexor muscles of the supporting and gripping strength of the entire hand (Figure 29).
forearm, hand, and fingers while simultaneously stressing the Although the brand and type of dumbbell available limit training
stabilizing muscles of the wrist. Likewise, using a towel through adaptations, grasping a single end of one or two dumbbells and

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EFFECTIVE METHODS OF GRIP STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT

walking for time or distance (in a similar manner as a farmer’s REFERENCES

walk) can improve grip strength. Using kettlebells is another 1. Amtmann, J, and Cotton, A. Strength and conditioning for
method to increase variety, especially by implementing them with judo. Strength and Conditioning Journal 27(2): 26-31, 2005.
unilateral carries, bottoms-up carries, or using the lateral side of
2. Channel, S. The fat bar. National Strength and Conditioning
the kettlebell handle to increase the stability demand at the wrist
Association Journal 12(4): 26-27, 1990.
(Figures 30 – 31). Using unilateral carries has the added benefit of
challenging the stability of the spine and developing strength of 3. Edgren, CS, Radwin, RG, and Irwin, CB. Grip force vectors
the back or core (Figures 31 – 32) (9). Figures 27 – 32 demonstrate for varying handle diameters and hand sizes. Human Factors: The
varieties of weighted carries using common implements. Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 46(2): 244-
251, 2004.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 4. Elliott, BC. Tennis: The influence of grip tightness on reaction
Table 1 provides an example of grip strength training modifications impulse and rebound velocity. Medicine and Science in Sports and
that can be easily implemented into a training program. Exercise 14(5): 348-352, 1981.
Supplementing a training program with grip-specific movements
5. Hoffman, J. NSCA’s Guide to Program Design. Champaign, IL:
after the majority of strength training is completed can be
Human Kinetics; 1-21, 2012.
useful to specifically improving grip strength, while having the
added benefit of improving performance on other movements 6. Hoffman, JR, Vazquez, J, Pichardo, N, and Tenenbaum, G.
where grip strength is a limiting factor. Drop sets can be used to Anthropometric and performance comparisons in professional
simultaneously train for strength and power and grip strength. baseball players. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning
This method allows for progressive overload, while benefitting grip Research 23(8): 2173-2178, 2009.
strength. Adding two sets of a grip-specific exercise can keep the 7. Kraemer, WJ, Vescovi, JD, and Dixon, P. The physiological
training program efficient and volume manageable. basis of wrestling: Implications for conditioning programs.
Strength and Conditioning Journal 26(2): 10-15, 2004.
Plate pinches, towel farmer’s walks, towel dumbbell carries,
8. Landsmeer, JMF. Power grip and precision handling. Annals of
and towel kettlebell swings are best suited for the latter parts
the Rheumatic Diseases 21(2): 164, 1962.
of a training session. Targeting grip strength early in a training
session fatigues the muscles of the forearms and hands, which 9. McGill, S. Core training: Evidence translating to better
can be detrimental to performance on greater priority lifts. Using performance and injury prevention. Strength and Conditioning
these exercises as part of an anaerobic capacity circuit allows Journal 32(3): 33-46, 2010.
for variation of muscle use across a range of grips. This allows 10. Ratamess, NA, Faigenbaum, AD, Mangine, GT, Hoffman, JR,
multiple training goals to be developed without spending an and Kang, J. Acute muscular strength assessment using free
unnecessary amount of time performing isolated training of the weight bars of different thickness. The Journal of Strength and
wrist and forearm. Conditioning Research 21(1): 240-244, 2007.

CONCLUSION 11. Santana, JC, and Fukuda, DH. Unconventional methods,

Improving grip strength is not a primary goal in many strength techniques, and equipment for strength and conditioning in
and conditioning programs, though its inclusion can improve combat sports. Strength and Conditioning Journal 33(6):
athletic performance. For athletes participating in rotational power 64-70, 2011.
sports, increasing grip strength on an implement can improve 12. Sorin, B. Grip training for the athlete. Strength and
energy transfer. Considerations for developing grip strength and Conditioning Journal 23(5): 42, 2001.
endurance are especially important for combat sport athletes and
13. Waldo, BR. Grip strength testing. Strength and Conditioning
can be implemented as a part of their metabolic conditioning with
Journal 18(5): 32-35, 1996.
the use of weighted carries. In conjunction with a balanced
strength and conditioning program, implementing specific grip- 14. Waller, M, Piper, T, and Townsend, R. Strongman events and
focused training exercises can have a positive impact on grip strength and conditioning programs. Strength and Conditioning
strength and endurance. Journal 25(5): 44-52, 2003.
15. Winwood, PW, Cronin, JB, Posthumus, LR, Finlayson, S, Gill,
ND, and Keogh, JW. Strongman versus traditional resistance
training effects on muscular function and performance. The
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 29(2):
429-439, 2014.
16. Zemke, B, and Wright, G. The use of strongman type
implements and training to increase sport performance in
collegiate athletes. Strength and Conditioning Journal 33(4):
1-7, 2011.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jace Derwin is a Certified Strength and Conditioning
Specialist® (CSCS®) and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Seattle
Pacific University in Exercise Science. He has experience
in sports science and performance testing of professional
and Division I collegiate athletes. He is currently the Lead
Sports Performance Specialist at Volt Athletics in Seattle,
WA, and manages program design and content development
for schools, clubs, and organizations worldwide.

TABLE 1. EXAMPLE GRIP STRENGTH TRAINING MODIFICATIONS

COMPOUND MOVEMENT
MODIFIED DROP SET
FOR STRENGTH
TRAINING SESSION SETS X REPS FOR GRIP STRENGTH SETS X REPS
DEVELOPMENT
FOCUS (45 – 55% 1RM)
(75 – 85% 1RM)
Towel barbell
1 Barbell bent-over rows 3x5 2 x 12
bent-over rows

2 Pull-ups 3 x 10 – 12 Towel pull-ups 2x5

Single-arm dumbbell Towel single-arm

3 3 x 5 each 2 x 8 – 12 each
bent-over rows dumbbell bent-over rows

TABLE 2. EXAMPLE CIRCUIT

EXERCISE TIME

Jump rope 60 s

Farmer’s walks 30 s

Push-ups 60 s

Plate pinches 30 s

Towel kettlebell
60 s
swings

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EFFECTIVE METHODS OF GRIP STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT

FIGURE 1. TOWEL BARBELL BENT-OVER ROW FIGURE 2. TOWEL BARBELL BENT-OVER ROW

FIGURE 3. TOWEL ON A DUMBBELL FIGURE 4. TOWEL ON A DUMBBELL

FIGURE 5. TOWEL SINGLE-ARM BENT-OVER ROW FIGURE 6. TOWEL SINGLE-ARM BENT-OVER ROW

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FIGURE 7. TOWEL PULL-UP FIGURE 8. TOWEL PULL-UP

FIGURE 9. TOWEL PULL-UP FIGURE 10. TOWEL PULL-UP

FIGURE 11. TOWEL INVERTED ROW FIGURE 12. TOWEL INVERTED ROW

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FIGURE 13. TOWEL KETTLEBELL SWING FIGURE 14. TOWEL KETTLEBELL SWING

FIGURE 15. TOWEL KETTLEBELL FRONT RAISE FIGURE 16. TOWEL KETTLEBELL FRONT RAISE

FIGURE 17. WEIGHTED PINCHING FIGURE 18. WEIGHTED PINCHING

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FIGURE 19. WEIGHTED PINCHING FIGURE 20. WEIGHTED PINCHING - TWO HANDS

FIGURE 21. SINGLE-ARM PLATE FLIP FIGURE 22. SINGLE-ARM PLATE FLIP

FIGURE 23. SINGLE-ARM PLATE FLIP

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EFFECTIVE METHODS OF GRIP STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT

FIGURE 24. TWO-ARM PLATE FLIP FIGURE 25. TWO-ARM PLATE FLIP

FIGURE 26. TWO-ARM PLATE FLIP

FIGURE 27. FARMER’S WALK FIGURE 28. FARMER’S WALK

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FIGURE 29. GRIP VARIATION

FIGURE 30. KETTLEBELL SINGLE-ARM FARMER’S WALK FIGURE 31. KETTLEBELL SINGLE-ARM FARMER’S WALK

FIGURE 32. KETTLEBELL SINGLE-ARM FIGURE 32. KETTLEBELL SINGLE-ARM

UNILATERAL CARRY UNILATERAL CARRY

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