V-grip is just thumb on top using the wrist in flexion as opposed to deviation
absolutely
You can look at your back cast with any grip of course

, but for me, thumb on top with a vertical stroke and closed stance really hurts my neck, almost straining to look at the back cast. If i ask someone to use an open stance and look at their back cast with a thumb on top grip (especially if they haven't done this before) it introduces a significant tracking error.

V grip and finger on top do seem to go straighter, should have said this first.
Most Continental European instructors start with the finger pointing grip. It certainly helps eliminate many of the early wrist problems.
I have seen this, i do reserve it for people that bend their wrist far too much, or even for those that try and turn the cork into dust
Following this thread we find 7 grips already. 7 is a hell lot in a teaching point of view!
Hi Bernd, yes it is a bit mad! I really wanted one thread with all the grips, i've seen 2 identical grips described and they were explained very differently. Like you i try and teach most things in three's, stance, PUALD, Roll cast etc.
I show them how to grip without the rod first, then i introduce the rod. Do you do this too? Pictures are very helpful.
Being a woman and inherently not as strong as you guys, I find the thumb on top to give me more strength. Subsequent to that discovery, I notice that's what Joan Wulff does too. It seems to help me. I've played with the V-grip and the finger-on-top grip for accuracy (per Mac Brown and Gary Borger), but my index finger gets too stressed. Maybe I'm not doing it right.
Hi Carol, whatever grip gives you the most comfort is very important, as well as using the wrist effectively

how hard are you gripping the handle and how big is the rod? It's funny you should mention that, i had a car accident a couple of years ago, so i can't lift as much as i could. I used to be an organ builder and lift 55kg comfortably all day. I've had to change the way i cast a bit to avoid discomfort.
That's a cool little gadget! A cool instructor trick uses the reel, you turn the whole rod upside down and keep this tucked underneath your forearm (ulna bone). Think peter hayes uses bog roll on top of the reel seat?
sticking the rod butt in the shirt sleeve does nothing to......
I agree, i really don't like this. It also ends up being far too jerky, and looks like you are in the roaring 20's doing the robot :P
All the best