Instructions
Preparation
- Stand over barbell with balls of feet positioned under bar hip width or slightly wider than hip width apart. Squat down and grip bar with very wide over hand grip. Position shoulders over bar with back arched tightly. Arms are straight with elbows pointed along bar.
Execution
- Pull bar up off floor by extending hips and knees. As bar reaches knees back stays arched and maintains same angle to floor as in starting position. When barbell passes knees vigorously raise shoulders while keeping bar as close to legs as possible. When bar passes upper thighs allow it to contact thighs. Jump upward extending body. Shrug shoulders and pull barbell upward with arms allowing elbows to pull up to sides, keeping them over bar as long as possible. Aggressively pull body under bar. Catch bar at arms length while moving into squat position. As soon as barbell is caught on locked out arms in squat position, squat up into standing position with barbell overhead.
Return
- Bend knees slightly and lower barbell to mid-thigh position. Slowly lower bar with taut lower back and trunk close to vertical. The advanced athlete may unload (drop) bar from completed position. This technique may be practiced to reduce stress or fatigue involved in lowering bar as prescribed. Use rubber weightlifting plates on weightlifting platform if this unloading method is used (unless floor demolition is desired).
Classification
| Utility: | Power |
| Mechanics: | Compound |
| Force: | Pull |
Force (Articulation)
Dynamic
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle
- Shoulder
- Scapula & Clavicle
Static
Comments
- The snatch is one coordinated, continuous movement executed with speed. The grip should be wide enough to allow for full squat with bar at arms length overhead. Do not jerk weight from floor; arise steadily then accelerate. The lift is complete when bar is under control overhead. Also see slow motion side view and snatch still image sequences.