Coaches Overgrip thumb position.

[Aero]

I honestly have no idea if thumb placement in an overgrip on bars is a matter of preference, or correct vs. incorrect technique. More specifically, if an athlete is doing a skill such as a cast, a backward hip circle, a kip, or tap swings, should they have their thumbs placed around the bar (opposed to the rest of the fingers), or should the thumb rest on top of the bar (adjacent to the other fingers)? I'm wondering if it's safer or provides better grip to do it one way or the other. Any experience with this matter, or advice or suggestions?

 

[pamred4]

Right from kinder gym to level ten gets made to put all finger sin a straight line. Boys do their skills with thumb around and also on the strap bar we use thumb overtop. I think the fingers inline wis so you can move your hands around faster in skills such as back hip circle etc. I think it's safer.

 

[Pineapple_Lump]

Thumbs by fingers for circling/swinging skills and wrapped around for stability when in handstand

 

[krc]

Moustafina casting
Huang free hip
Ross Giant

If your hands are big enough, thumbs around whenever possible. It adds stability and more importantly torque. (hope the pictures come through ok )

 

[Deleted member D3987]

it depends on what you're doing. and what you do can change depending on going in or coming out of a skill and what follows.

KRC, i'm not understanding what you mean by torque.

 

[Aero]

@dunno | Could you give a specific example of when to use which?

 

[krc]

KRC, i'm not understanding what you mean by torque.

To be more specific, I'm referencing long-axis turns where the shoulder, arm and hand (thumb on top or wrapped) can apply twisting pressure to the bar. Although we would like all turns to be done purely with swing, in reality a little "twist of the wrist" can definitely help get those turns around a little more quickly. All hail the opposable thumb!

 

[iwannacoach]

@dunno | Could you give a specific example of when to use which?

Watch Gabrielle Douglas doing bars on youtube. Not saying there's one right answer, just that she looks to be very proficient at "thumb war." I'd hate to go one on one with her in a tournament.

An example of there being no one right answer can be found in the pic of Mustafina casting. She obviously is making a statement, concerning the debate, that sometimes it feels right, and sometimes it doesn't...... or she just can't figure out who to believe.....

Personally? I'm with Pineapple_Lump.

 

[Deleted member D3987]

To be more specific, I'm referencing long-axis turns where the shoulder, arm and hand (thumb on top or wrapped) can apply twisting pressure to the bar. Although we would like all turns to be done purely with swing, in reality a little "twist of the wrist" can definitely help get those turns around a little more quickly. All hail the opposable thumb!

gotcha.

 

[Deleted member D3987]

@dunno | Could you give a specific example of when to use which?

it really depends on the kid, their body type, efficacy of swing, their grips, their grip strength, whether they're working on top of the bar (L grips and Ono's) or early turning as in blind changes, etc; there are so many factors you can't just say there is one. but i can tell you that ectomorph's consistently not only have long arms and legs, but also VERY long fingers and thumbs on average. these kids don't seem to have a problems 'gripping' the bar completely.

but when you have small athletes, or athletes with 'stub' fingers and small hands it's more difficult.

 

[Deleted member 14190]

So many variables are involved that no correct answer can be given.

 

[CoachTodd]

My daughter has tiny hands and she would use her thumb on 1/2 her skills and not use it on others. I think it comes down to personal preference. I think the main reason behind teaching the thumb over the bar is to eliminate the "grip-o-death" most kids have when learning bars. just a guess though.

 

[Gymishome]

I think part of the reason some kids do it is because it makes them feel better, like they won't fall off of the bar. Especially cast handstands. I've had girls tell me it makes it less scary...but as for free hips and other circling skills I haven't ever had a kid do it. I'd imagine it would feel weird for them so I don't think they'd choose to do it that way