This is my theory on the biomechanics of the hand as I have formulated it over 12 years of grip training. The labeled functions are my own and the logic is applied from my knowledge in engineering and problem solving. The following does not include for the actions and capabilities of the thumb; a seperately trainable entity of its own.
The four fingers of the hand have a range of motion that can be said to be between 110-120 degrees depending on the individual. Since the fingers curl and not close flat this is used for descriptive purposes. Within these degrees of motion there seems to be the ability to train each and every degree to a certain strength level independently. Strength carries over though and more prominently through certain degree ranges.
In order to understand hand strength we must divide and label the ranges of motion based on their strength carry-over. There appear to be three ranges that can be independently trained without great carry-over to the others. The ranges are the Sweep, Hold & Close.
The Sweep is about the first 90 degrees. It is the range of motion used to crush apples, potatos, hands in a shake, etc. This range of motion is probably the hardest to get extremley powerful but is the most impressive. This range is probably Brookfield's best. The sweep also lends itself to being the most versatile to train. It can be developed with anything from crushing paper to plate curls. No gripper is necessitated to train the sweep, and through intelligent method can be trained to the strength of paralleling the handles of the #4 without ever having touched a gripper. A plate loaded machine brings best result here. Its strength carry-over to the Hold and Close is equal to it's own strength. Say you have a 200 lbs. sweep, your Hold and Close will at minimum be that and rarely less.
We will discuss the Hold next because of it's simplicity. It is the range between holding a barbell and having the hand fully closed. The Hold can be influenced to be equal to the sweep, however it can be trained all by itself and have no carry-over to the hold and sweep. This is why guys like Anthony Clark and Ed Coan can deadlift 800 lbs. (400 in each hand) and not close even the #2. They have a superior Hold but no close or Sweep at all.
The Close, a range right where the Sweep ends and the Hold starts. This range applies to putting the finishing touch on pliers and closing grippers. Its strength carry-over can go to the hold but not to the Sweep. Which is why some can hold the grippers closed but can't squeeze them shut; There is a lack of sweep in these individuals.
The Hold and Close can be trained in the same manner. The Sweep needs different treatment. This is why negatives are paramount to closing these grippers. If you can't hold it closed your Sweep will never get you there. If you can hold it closed, then develop your Sweep. Most if not all have the Sweep from years of curious grip training but do not have the Close. It seems out of all the ranges, the Close is the one that requires special equipment to develop. That is why the world is full of guys who have closed the #2 on the first try but never the #3.
Negatives are it! If you want to mash potatos, do as Brookfield. If you just want to close grippers, do as Kinney; Negatives till your hands bleed. Don't worry about squeezing it shut that part can be trained in many prolific ways. The primary goal is to hold it shut. Plate loaded machines are the best for this, I kid you not.
Negatives,negatives, negatives and negatives.
Well these are my arrangements. They are only applicable to crushing power and are not yet deciphered into supporting or pinch, much less the thumb. I am humble in my presentation and accept all input or criticism.
Good luck & God Bless
David
