Regression in HB strength after changing grips

[erk]

So for this cycle I downsized my first two grips while keeping the third the same.

Grip 1: LVDER crimp -> SVDER crimp
Grip 2: Larger MR pocket -> smaller MR pocket
Grip 3: Large pinch -> (no change)

While I am enjoying the progression I am making on the first two grips (even though I don't have anything to compare it against) I am getting totally shut down by the pinch now. I am 20 lbs from my PR from last cycle, I just finished my 6th HB workout and I'm feeling pretty plateaued on the pinch grip for this season. 

I'm not too bummed because those first grips are more important to me.
I don't believe I just magically got weaker on the pinch grip.
Perhaps the two new grips are fatiguing me in a way that is causing this??

Anyone else experience this? Thoughts?

Edit: Temps are the same, if not better.

[MarkAnderson]

That does seem odd. It seems like the smaller grips tend to require greater DIP flexion. I wonder if that is somehow a factor? Regardless, I wouldn't worry about it.

[tetrault]

Not that you need anyone else to chime in after "God" has spoken...

When I used the larger MR pocket, I found that as I neared failure, (couldn't keep enough force on the tips of my fingers) it was apparant how much the friction between my skin and the radius on the outside edge of the hold was doing to keep me on the board. So much so that it started causing splits in my skin at this location. When I switched to the small MR pocket, to avoid skin injuries- not because I got too strong , it seemed like it was much more important to have the proper DIP flexion, as Mark stated, and keep a lot of force on the tips of my fingers in order to stay on the board. Switching from LVDER to SVDER may have the same effect depending on your hand position and size, etc.

I think the pinch is similar to the smaller holds, in that you really need to keep a lot of force on the finger tips. There is no "cheating" with extra friction between the edge of the board and some bunched-up skin halfway down your finger. So, as far as your MR fingers are concerned, Grips 2&3 may now be more similar than before, making them more tired for Grip 3.

Agreed that it doesn't seem like anything to worry about, but I know how you feel when, on paper, it appears you are regressing. To reiterate what other have said before; it's all about proper focus and effort in the long-term, not simply numbers on paper! Hopefully....

[erk]

Thanks for the input guys!

I'll try to post back after another season or two of hangboarding to see if I "got my strength back" or if this is just the new baseline as the result of a different stimulus.

... and don't sell your self short tetrault, that was a great analysis 

[erk]

I came to a realization earlier this week during my 8th hangboard workout.

During the last set of the pinch grip I noticed my left thumb "opening up," not unlike when a crimp grip opens up at the end of a set.

I forgot that I jammed that thumb pretty badly back in December when playing around on the Moonboard for the first time.

My thumb has never opened up like it has during this cycle so my guess is it has something to do the jamming...