Use a thumbless grip when bench pressing to eliminate shoulder or triceps pain. ... Using a "false" or thumbless grip when bench pressing is controversial. Many lifters are afraid they'll drop the barbell, which is a very bad thing for your skeletal integrity.

Are suicide grips safe?

One of the dangerous consequences of the suicide grip is that there is a high risk that the barbell can slip from the hands. The thumb acts as a locking mechanism on the barbell when it's wrapped underneath. Without the thumb involved, the barbell can fall off the base of the palm more easily.

Is close grip bench bad?

Why It's Problematic: Besides simply being uncomfortable, gripping the barbell too narrow can result in two issues. First, it's going to internally rotate the shoulders, which puts them in a compromised position when trying to press, and this position can also add unwanted stress to the shoulder joints.