A different weight over bar question

• Gawd is telling you that spinning is wrong.
  
• The precise position of your thumb is causing the problem.  You don't want your thumb wrapped over the handle too far.  There's an optimal position that you can only learn by experience.
  
• You need to tape your thumb.  This makes a big difference by spreading the pressure out more uniformly over your thumb.
  
• The force is so high that you'll bruise it anyway.

Scott, As you are aware, I've been spinning for some time.  I have used a hook grip almost from day one throwing as I have used a hook grip in lifting (being intially trained in Oly lifting) since I first picked up a barbell. 

I'll make a long story short, I've tried everything, I mean everything.  All the stuff Wayne mentioned, I've used loads of tape, I've put cushioning under the tape but over the thumbnail in all kinds of combinations.  I tried moving my thumb but that diminished the strength of the grip.  The only thing I've found that comes even close to "relief" (and my right thumb looks like it's been bashed by a hammer from March 'til November....grows back by February....repeat process) is to put tape over my thumb and then take a small piece of tape and reverse it on the next layer so that just over the thumb nail the tape will give not be fixed.  Because I don't think it's the "crushing" effect so much as the pulling effect.  I've gotten to the point I'd almost rather have my thumbnail surgically removed as it seems to always be an issue.  The nail is always in the process of coming off, gets snagged, and $#*(%#&#^   So, bottom line...it sucks, but that weight flying in the air makes it all worth it....and then listening to the non spinners bitch up a storm. 

Rob Schultz wrote: You need to ask Kevin Dupuis. He hook grips and has never had any bruising on the thumb nail.

Untrue. When I first started using the hook grip, I nearly lost the thumb nail. Hurt like hell. Bruised like crazy. After a while (month or so), I was fine and got used to it.

To this day if I tape my thumb incorrectly, there are times that I seperate the thumb nail from the nail bed. I keep (or should I say bite) my thumbnails really short though.

Also, and I know this has been mentioned on the board before, many guys who hook grip actually lay their thumb along side the handle, and don't hook it under the handle. (A photo of this would help). Puts the pressure of the handle at the joint where your thumb and index finger meet, instead of putting the pressure on the tip of your thumb.

I think it is partially your tape.  You are probably using reg. athletic tape.  It just isn't strong enough.  Try using a tape called elasticon.  It is tan colored and tough to tear but works a hell of alot better.  I put two pieces from the base of the thumb (top side of hand)  over the nail, and back to the base (underside).  Then I wrap a piece all the way around from the nail to the base of the thumb. 

It sounds a little excessive but it works well.   

Well......maybe it would make your thumb look bigger.

Sorry, that was just wrong.  We all know it's not how big your thumb is that makes you a good thrower.

Harrison, I have tried that type of taping and found that if I bend my thumb a little during the taping, it take pressure off the nail.