Tim, I agree with you. It is very foolish thinking by those coaches who won't let them use straps. It is a must in Olympic Lifting to develope that additional pulling power using heavier loads. I also think it good to use them occasionally on the O/L's as well. The only thing is on the snatches and cleans, have your straps a little loose so you have more flexibility and movement of the wrists.
Their are quiet a few movements you can do to develope your gripping power. One of my favorites was pinch gripping heavy plates and walking around with them. We had some plates that were flat on the sides and weighed 42 1/2 lbs a peice. I would take two and pinch grip them together and walk around with them. Beleive me, after doing this you thought your fingers were going to fall off. We also had a very strong hand grip that I used a lot.
Tim, while I'm on this subject, do you ever drive your vehicle using the hook grip on the steering wheel? I still do this occasionally. Although, I don't think I would use the straps on the steering wheel.
Thanks for the New Years wish Tim and hope the year is great to you as well.
Your Bro,
Joe Dube
