Question of the Hoplite

[Glewas]

I understand the reasoning for the overhand grip, but I've never really understood facing of the hand holding the spear. In EB and in at least one Greek painting, (I sure there are more out there), the palm faces inward. To me this seems possibly a stronger grip, but sacrifices extension and maybe some power. However I doubt it takes much force for a sharp spear to stab or cut exposed flesh...

With the palm facing outward the grip doesn't seem as strong, but the spear can be extended more with greater force, as the arm can fully extend and still keep the spear tip at head/neck level. Whereas as with the inward grip, the further the arm extends the more the tip points to the ground...

Also it seems that the inward grip might conserve more energy per thrust, and the outward grip would allow you to go from overhand to underhand, provided there was room, fairly easily as the grip doesn't change.

Any thoughts?