Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami (may Allah have mercy on him) said: When bowing we used to place our hands between our thighs, so Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The sunnah way is to hold the knees.
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الصلاة / 2547