A recent study caught our eye. Cabarkapa et al., Handgrip Strength and Vertical Jump Performance (2025), 39:7, examined the relationship between vertical leap and hand strength, yielding interesting results. | | | The researchers found that: “…the dominant handgrip strength revealed a statistically significant relationship with 8 of 9 force-time metrics of interest (e.g., eccentric peak force, concentric mean power, and jump height), while the nondominant hand demonstrated a positive association with only 5 of 9 CMJ performance metrics.” So, while the non-dominant hand did not have as significant an association with vertical leap metrics, the overall message is that grip strength correlates with vertical leap performance. The study focused on female volleyball players, making it more specific to that population. However, this finding aligns with other studies that use grip strength as a proxy for overall strength and power. Why does grip strength correlate with vertical leap? First, let’s zoom out to the 30,000-foot level and remember that grip strength has been researched as a metric for looking at all-cause mortality and sarcopenia. The reference list in this study from Celis-Morales et al, BMJ 2018; 361: k1651, will give you plenty to chew on. In addition, according to researcher Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS: “If I could only do one test that gave me information about the integrity and function of the entire upper quarter, including the rotator cuff, elbow, wrist, cervical spine, and dare I say core function, it would be grip strength. I am continually amazed that it is a biomarker for health and vitality. Having a left/right asymmetry of greater than 10% or being weak is a substantial risk factor for morbidity and mortality.” Beyond performance, grip strength is a biomarker with great utility. | | From a performance standpoint, grip strength has been researched as well, and Cronin et al, 31(11)/3187–3217 (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research) will provide a good starting point. But why does grip strength correlate with performance in so many areas, and especially a lower-body metric like vertical leap? Stronger individuals are not just strong in one area; they tend to exhibit systemic neuromuscular efficiency and recruitment. Athletes with stronger grips tend to show higher maximal strength and explosiveness in general. Takken et al, European Journal of Pediatrics, 169, 281–287, provides some information on this. Grip strength is also a proxy or a reflection of general CNS drive, which is part of the rate of force development. (Krivickas, et al, Muscle & Nerve, 28(6), 820–827). Grip strength has also been used as a marker for CNS fatigue in some programs. This doesn’t mean that isolated grip training is the secret. Overall training background and participation in activities where grip strength is built are the main factors (Nikolaidis et al., Sport Sciences for Health, 13, 101–105). This includes training pulling movements in resistance training. Sound familiar? Kettlebell swings, cleans, snatches, barbell deadlifts and rows, pullups, and many other exercises from the StrongFirst menu help build grip strength. The BELL trial (Meigh et al., BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation (2019) 11:19) referenced in the review showed increases in grip strength as a benefit of kettlebell training. Grab your kettlebell, barbell, or pullup bar and start building the grip strength, neuromuscular, and CNS drive to have a strong and resilient body. Kettlebell Simple & Sinister is a great place to start! | | | | | | | | | | | |
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