Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

AuthorsIntroductoryNotes:ThisarticlewasoriginallypublishedintheNSCAJournalin1987. Itwasrepublishedinthe15thanniversaryGreatestHitsedition(Thankyou),butwithoutthe photos.Thisupdated2008versionincludestheoriginalphotosandsomeupdatedmaterials. ThemodelforthesephotoswasScottyCleve,oneofmyformerbiologystudentsandthethird place finisher at the National Junior Olympics in 1988. His early athletic background was in figureskating,butheenjoyedsuccessasafootballplayerandshotputterinhighschool.Ichose him because he was an excellent technician, and technical positions were easier to see on his gracileframe. The curlyhaired guy with the moustache in the background is Ahmed ElAbdeny, the 1984 AfricanGamesChampionandacompetitorinthe1984Olympics. Hewasa75kg.lifterwho snatched135andcleaned&jerked175.HecametoL.A.forthegames,marriedalocalwoman, andneverwentbacktoEgypt.Hetrainedwithusforseveralyears. Thanks very much to Jean Holloway who edited the original manuscript and threw out all my extracommas.

Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk Part1
ByBobTakano,CSCS Although some form of weightlifting has been contested in each renewal of the modern Olympiad, it wasnotuntil1920thatthecompetitiveprogramwasstandardizedbytheInternationalWeightliftingFederation (IWF), the governing body of the sport. That first program consisted of a triathlon consisting of the twohands press, the twohands snatch and the twohands clean and jerk. Two of these events were primarily dependent upon the athletes ability to generate power while the one pure strength event, the press, was secondarily dependent upon an explosive, efficient cleaning technique. With the exception of the 1928 (when the program was expanded to include the onehand snatch and the opposite onehand clean and jerk), the competitive programremainedunchangeduntilthe1972MunichIWFcongresswhenthepresswasvotedoutofcompetition. Thus January 1, 1973 marked the entrance of the modern into the modern biathlonic eraone in which the developmentofpowerwasofparamountimportance. The point to be reinforced here is that weightlifting is a sport in which success is overwhelmingly dependentupontheabilitiesofitsparticipantstogenerateprodigiousamountofpower.Thesporthasnearly90 years of tradition and background in the development of explosive strength. Any athlete or coach interested in developingoptimalpowermustlooktothemethodsoftheweightliftersforthemosteffectivestrategiesinthe trainingofexplosiveathleticism.Theweightliftingcommunityhasdonethemajorityofthegroundworkforpower training,andreinventingthewheelwouldonlyleadtoawasteofvaluableeffortandenergy. RationaleforDevelopingOptimalTechnique Whileithasnotbeenuncommonformanycoachesinsportsoutsideofweightliftingtoincorporatethe powercleanintheirtrainingregimensinrecentyears,thefactremainsthatlessthanoptimaltechniqueoftenhas

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

been utilized and coached. Several unfortunate consequences will result from the utilization of poor technique andshouldbeidentifiedforthoseinterestedinthemosteffectivemeansofdevelopingathleticability. 1. Incorrect technique creates greater possibilities for injuries. Optimal technique utilizes the athletesparticularleveragesinthemostadvantageouspatterns.Incorrecttechniqueswillresultin positionsthatexertexcessivestrainsandimbalancesoncertainmusclesandconnectivestructures. 2. Incorrecttechniqueproduceslessthanoptimalpower.Withtrainingtimebeingatapremiumfor mostathletes,thequalityoftrainingmustbetakenintoseriousconsideration.Hypothetically,given two athletes of identical abilities training with identical weights on the same training program, the athletewiththemostnearlycorrecttechniquewillhavegeneratedthemostpowerwiththeprimary muscles. This could result in the lifting of less weight which will inhibit the development of supportivetorsomusculature. 3. Incorrecttechniquecarriesovertootherathleticactivities.Mostcoachesshouldunderstandthatit iseasiertoconvertaskilledrunningandjumpingathleteintosay,avolleyballplayer,thanconverting onewhoisnotacquaintedwiththerudimentsofgoodrunningandjumpingtechnique.Anathlete whoperformsthetrainingliftsinaplantigrademanner(walkingonthesolewiththeheeltouching the ground) is reinforcing the utilization of motor patterns in the postural musculature for that particularstance.Thiscarryoverisdetrimentaltothedevelopmentofposturalneuromotorpatterns fordigitigrade(walkingonthedigitswiththeheelraised)activities. GeneralConsiderationsforAllTechniqueTraining Thefollowingconsiderationsshouldapplytoalltraining,bothforpurposesoflearningcorrecttechnique andtopreventunnecessaryinjury. Theinformationcontainedinthisarticleshouldfirstbereadandassimilatedbyacoachwhoshouldthen conveythisinformationtotheathlete(s).Thecoachshouldbecapableofpresentinginstructionsinamannerthat is not overly technical. Through the use of descriptions, pantomime, photos, videotapes or any other available means,thecoachistheprimaryvectorthroughwhichthelearningoftechniquemusttakeplace.

Fig.1AvarietyofweightliftingshoesfromNike,adidasandtheSovietUnion.Notethehightopswhich werediscontinuedintheearly1980s.

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

Shoes(Figure1).Specializedweightliftingshoesareasnecessaryascorrectfootwearinanyspecialized athletic activity. They provide stability in the coronal (frontal) plane, incline the foot at the proper angle for optimalacceleration,allowforoptimalbalancewithweightsoverheadanddoagreatdealtowardalleviatingknee injuries.Goodliftingshoesshouldnotinhibitankleflexionastheanklesarerequiredtomovethroughacomplete rangeofmovementduringtheexecutionofbothlifts. Wrapsandbelts.Theuseofwraps(especiallykneewraps)hasbecomepopularwithmanytraineesinthe belief that they add additional support and thus increase the poundages that can be lifted. In the case of knee wraps, many athletes are fond of using long, elasticized wraps that are wound several times tightly around the joint. These actually restrict mobility, retard development of the connective structures and eventually form a fulcrum at the back of the knee that places unnecessary stress on the tendons and ligaments. The ideal weightliftingkneewrapshouldconsistonlyofathinelasticizedkneecapthatallowsformaximummobilityand serves only to keep the joint warm. Wrist wraps are optional, but if they are used they should not in any way inhibitmobilityofthewrist.Abeltisalsoanoptionalitem,andshouldbeusedonlyforthepurposeofmaintaining high intrathoracic pressures. In actuality an athlete can maximize training results by foregoing the use of a belt and providing isometric work for the thoracic musculature. If a belt is utilized, it should be cut to allow maneuverabilityduringthejerk,meaningthatitshouldonlybeofmaximumlegalwidth(fourandahalfinchesor twelvecentimetersatthebackandcuttoanarrowerwidthatthefrontwiththetaperfittingcomfortablyinferior totheribcage. Hook grip (Figure 2). The hook grip is the most effective way of maximizing grip strength during the pulling phases of the snatch and clean. It can, however, inhibit rapid arm movement and should be released duringtheunsupportedphasesofthesnatchandclean.

Fig.2Theindexandmiddlefingersarewrappedaroundthethumbtoinsureamoresecuregrip.Alengthy thumbnailcanheightentheeffect. Arched back (Figure 3). In all phases of Olympic lifting an arched (concave) lumbar posture should be employed.Thiscanbetaughtbyhavingthetraineeprotrudeboththechestandabdomen.Thisposturemustbe learnedearlyintraining,andconstantlyemphasizeduntiltechniquehasbeenwellestablished.Therigidtorsowill aid in effectively transmitting force from the legs and hips to the bar, as well as preventing collapse and loss of balanceduringthecatchphasesofthesnatch,andcleanandjerk.

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

Fig.3ThisSshapedalignmentofthevertebraeisoptimalforperformingtheOlympiclifts. Blocks(Figure4).Whilenotentirelynecessaryfortheteachingoftechnique,theygreatlyfacilitatethe learningofthesecondpullandtoppullphases.Theyshouldbeofadjustableheight.

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

Fig4Blocksshouldbeadjustable,durableandmaneuverable. Platform.Aplatformmadeofwoodishighlydesirablesinceitprovidestheoptimalsurfaceuponwhich to perform the lifts. Rugs and recently developed artificial rubberized surfaces are often too gummy as foot movement during the lifts should be of a skimming nature. Unexpected traction can result in awkward squat positions that can lead to injuries. IN addition these surfaces can provide instability during the lifting of heavy weights. Concrete or similar hard surfaces do not provide enough cushioning, and will eventually lead to joint traumaafterprolongedusage. Focal point. The snatch and clean and jerk are all performed most effectively if the head is stabilized muchofeachlift.Thisisbesteffectedbytrainingtheeyesonafixedpointslightlyabovestandingeyelevelduring certainphasesofeachlift. Closedeyes.Earlyinthedevelopmentoftechnique,kinesthesiacanbeimprovedbyhavingheathlete perform some of the movements with the eyes closed. This forces the athlete to develop a feel that might previouslyhavebeenlacking. Lowreps.Neuralfatigueisacriticalfactorinthelearningoftechnique.Thecorrectmovementscannot be performed unless the nervous system is relatively fresh. Sets of more than three repetitions will do little to developtechnique.Inaddition,technicaltrainingshouldbeperformedatthebeginningoftheworkoutwhenthe athleteisfresh. Trainingweights.Theweighttobeusedshouldbedeterminedempiricallybyasupervisingcoach.Many athletesareanxioustouseheavyweightsandneedtobeinhibitedfromusingweightsthatcausetechnicalflaws. The actual weights may vary from day to day depending upon the physical condition of the athlete, and adjustments should be made. On the other hand, athletes should not train with excessively light weights once techniquehasbeguntostabilizesincethiswillinhibitthedevelopmentofbalanceandsupportivemusculaturethat canonlybeachievedwithheavierweights. Oneononecoaching.Itisalmostimpossibletocoachtheliftswithalargegroup,andthemosteffective means is to work oneonone. In the long run, this will be the most effective use of time since proper initial instructionwilllateralleviatethecostlytimeexpenditureincorrectinggrosstechnicalerrorsandwillreducethe

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

possibility of injury. This is primarily due to the individual idiosyncracies of each athlete. Within certain, often narrow,limits,eachindividualstechniquemustbecustomized. EQUIPMENT ThefollowingitemsshouldbeconsideredbasicnecessitiesfortheteachingoftheOlympiclifts. 1. ArevolvingOlympicbarofstandarddimensions(7feet/220cmformen,or6feet,7inches/201cm forwomen). 2. Platesofstandardheight(17.71inchesor45cmindiameter).Rubberbumpersarepreferablesince theywilllastlonger,ridethebarbetterandincreasethelifespanofthebar,theplatformandquite possiblythefloorbeneath. 3. Aplatform(preferablymadeofwood),willoffersurefootingwithoutgumminess,eliminatesome stressinjuries,andincreasethelifespanoftheplates.8feet(2.44m)x8feetisanadequatesizefor atrainingplatform. 4. Adjustablesquatrackswillallowforexercisesthatarespecializedforthejerk. Thefollowingitemsmaybeconsideredoptional,butwillgreatlyfacilitatetheteachingoftechnique. 1. Adjustablepullingblocks(whichmayinactualitybeseveralboxesofvaryingheights)enablethebar tobeplacedatoptimalheightsforlearningthelifts. 2. Straps that attach the wrists to the bar will allow the trainee to perform assistance pulling movementswhenthegriphasbeenfatigued. THEJUMP(POWER)POSITION Jumping is a fundamental activity. With the advent of bipedalism as a primary means of human locomotion, the development of jumping ability has been an invaluable survival tool. Running, and particularly sprinting,isaseriesofalternatingoneleggedjumps.Throwingistheresidueofmomentumdevelopedbyjumping ability. There are few ground based athletic activities that are not crucially dependent upon an individuals jumpingability. Weightlifting is no exception. In statesponsored weightlifting programs where promising you are identified, vertical jumping ability is universally considered to be one of the most critical criteria for predicting future success. Modern training programs all emphasize the development of vertical and horizontal jumping abilityasamajorpartoftheearlyregimen.Asaresult,weightliftersareprodigiousjumpers.TheWorldChampion BulgarianNationalTeamhasaqualifyingtestthatrequirestheirathletestojumpupontoanadjustableplatform setatnippleheightfromastandingstart.TwoofthemembersofourU.S.1984Olympicteam,GuyCarltonand AlbertHood,werecapableofleapingupontoabenchthatwasevenwiththeirclavicles.Theobviousconclusion isthatsnatchesandcleansandjerksandverticaljumpingareavariationonacommontheme:theexplosivepower isgeneratedwhichmoveseitheranimplementorthebodywithgreatspeed. Liftingweights,aswellasallrunningandjumpingmovements,isvitallydependentupontheabilityofthe athletetoassumeaposturethatsituatesthebodyoverthemetatarsals,ortheballsofthefeet(Figure5).For example, it is not uncommon to see many untrained, adolescent sprinters running with the head back and the trunknearlyupright.Onlywhentheycanbetrainedtokeeptheheadlevelandthetrunkinclinedslightlyforward canbetheirsprinttimesbeminimized.Accomplishedbasketballreboundersoftenforcetheiropponentsoutof the play by subtly forcing them back off their optimal jumping posture and effectively inhibiting their jumping ability.

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

Fig.5Thisisthepositionfromwhichalljumpingandoverheadliftingmovementsmustbegin.Thisshould beafamiliarpositiontomanycoaches. Weightlifters are athletes who are strong enough to take a heavy weight off the floor into an optimal jumporpowerposition,whilekeepingthearmsandtorsorigid.Whenthistakesplace,thebarwillgenerallybe situateddirectlyabovethemetatarsals,andataheightthatbringsthebarintocontactwiththeuppertwothirds of the front thigh (depending on gripwidth, and limblength to torsolength ratio), and the athlete will be preparedtogenerateanexplosivesnatchorcleanpull.Inthejerk,thelifterissimplyjumpingupwardwiththe weightcomingofftheshoulders.Inshort,weightliftingisajumpingactivity. THESNATCHTHEBOTTOMPOSITION Thesnatchisbesttaughtwhenacertainrationalorderisemployed.Thisinvolvesfirstteachingthelow squatpositionasthiswilldictatehandandfootplacement.Thesequenceprogressestothelearningofthepull fromthepowerposition,thepullfromthefloorandthenthelearningofthetotalmovement. This section begins with a discussion of bottom position since this will determine grip width for the performance of the snatch. In essence, the bottom position requires the lifter to be able to sit in a flatfooted squatwiththebarbalancedatarmslengthoverhead.Thewidthsofthestanceandthegripmustbeempirically determined based on the individuals flexibilities and limb lengths. The feet may be pointed straight ahead or slightly outward, again depending upon the individuals flexibilities. A flatfooted stance in catching the bar is absolutelyvitalandnecessitatestheuseofappropriatefootwear.Thereisapossibilitythatanathletemightbe

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

incapableofassumingthebottomposition,inspiteofalloftheprescribedstretching.Insuchasituationitmust berealizedthattheindividualissimplynotsuitedforhesport. Stretching of the ankle, knee, hip and shoulder joints should precede the performance of any bottom positiontraining. Adescriptionofthebottompositioncanbebrokendownasfollows:(Figure6). 1. The lifter is sitting comfortably in a squat position with the feet flat on the floor. The bent knees shouldbeprotrudingwellaheadoftheankles. 2. Thetrunkshouldbeuprightorslightlyinclinedforwardwiththeheaderect. 3. Thearmsshouldbelockedoverheadwithaneffortbeingmadetoturntheelbowsmedicallyanda gripwidth considerably wider than shoulder width. In larger athletes a collar to collar grip is not uncommon.Thebarshouldbeslightlybehindorevenwithalineextendingdirectlyupfromtheears.

Fig.6TheBottomPosition Exercisestolearntheposition 1. Overheadsquat. 2. Snatchgrippressbehindneckinasquatposition. 3. Snatchbalance.Thelifterstandserectwiththebaracrosstheshouldersbehindtheneckandknees unlocked.Thesnatchwidthgripisthentaken.Thelifterthendropsrapidlyintothebottomposition whilesimultaneouslyextendingandlockingthearms.

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

THESNATCHTHEPULL Eachsequenceshouldbemasteredbeforeproceedingontothenext. Apparatus:Thebarbellshouldbeplacedonblocks(Figure7)sothattheathletecantakethesnatchgrip widthdeterminedintheprevioussection,andassumethepowerposition.(Note:inlieuofblocks,theathletecan workfromthehangpositiondippingthebartothepowerposition.Thisisnotaseffectiveasemployingblocks, butwillsufficeifthecoachingisexperiencedatthismode.).

Figure7.Theplacementofthebarbellontheblock. Stanceandposture:Thewidthofthestanceanddirectionofthefeetmustbedeterminedempirically, butshouldcloselyapproximatethepositionfromwhichverticaljumpingismosteasilyperformed.Theathletes balanceshouldbeontheballsofthefeetwiththemetatarsalssituateddirectlyunderthebar.Thebackshouldbe moderately arched and the shoulders should be ahead of the bar with the latissimus dorsi tensed. The arms should be medially rotated (toward the center) by contracting the pectoralis major. This will have the effect of forcingtheelbowstopointoutwardstowardtheendsofthebarbell.Theheadandneckshouldbeerectwiththe eyesfixedonafocalpointslightlyhigherthanstandingeyelevel. The actionjump and shrug (Figure 8): From the aforementioned posture, the athlete should simply attempttospringupwardextendingupontheballsofthefeetandbringingthehipsforwardandupwardwhile simultaneouslyextendingtheknees.Asthetorsoreachesaverticalposture,theshouldersshouldshrugviolently upwardswhilethearmsremainforciblystraight.

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Figure8.Jumpandshrug Coachingsuggestions:Emphasizethattheactionisinitiatedbyarapidextensionofthekneesandhips. Anemphasisshouldbeplacedonmaintainingfootcontactwiththefloorthroughoutthemovement,andtohold the final position up on the toes. Constantly encourage the athlete to keep the back arched since the forces generatedbythelegscannotbetransferredtothebarthroughalimptorso.Emphasizebringingthehipsupward andforwarduntiltheyaredirectlyoverthetoes. The actionadding arms (Figure 9): Once the shrug off blocks has been mastered the athlete is now readytoincorporatethearmsintothepull.Thesequenceofactionsshouldbeleghipextension,shrugandarm pull. To the untrained eye, these may at first appear to be simultaneous but they are in fact sequential in the previously stated order. The critical point to be emphasized to the athlete in the arm pull is to concentrate on elevatingtheelbowshightothesideinsteadofelevatingthebar.Inallmovements,itisessentialtoemphasize themovementofbodyparts,ratherthanthemovingofthebar. Thismovementshouldbecompletedbyattemptingtoremainuponthetoeswiththeelbowsraisedand pointingupwards.

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Figure9.Addingarmstothejumpandshrug. Coachingsuggestions:Encouragetheathletetoattempttocurlthewristsintowardthecoronal(frontal) plane of the body. This may not be possible given the weight that will eventually be lifted, but it will have the effect of forcing the elbows out to the side, which will insure a linear pathway close to the body for the bar. Throughoutthemovementencouragetheliftertofeelthepressureonlyontheballsofthefeet.Uprightrowing withsnatchgripemphasizingtheactionoftheelbowsisanexercisewhichwillaidtolearningthispattern. THESNATCHTHETURNOVER The pull having been mastered, the athlete must now concentrate on the turnover phase in which the armscomeunderthebarandsupporteditoverhead.Thisisbestaccomplishedusinganexercisecalledthemuscle snatch. Themusclesnatch(Figures7,9,10):Asbefore,themovementshouldbestartedwiththebaronblocks atpowerpositionheight.Thekeyphasehereistheactivityofthearmsafterthepullhasbeencompleted.Again, theemphasisshouldbeplacedontheactionofthearmsandnotonforciblymovingthebarbell. Once the pull has been performed with a very light weight, the lifter will quickly settle back to a flat footedstancewithlockedknees.Theelbowsshouldbeswungforwardfromthelateralraisedpositiontoaplane in front of the bar simultaneously with the planting of the feet and locking of the knees. This arm movement should be performed in a fast and snappy manner. The arms should then immediately begin to press the bar overheadinanearlyverticalpathway.Theheadandtorsoshouldnotleanforward.

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Duringthecourseoftheturnover,theelbowshavemovedfromapositionlateraltothehead,forward andmedially,andthenupward,backwardandlaterally.Allofthisshouldbeperformedassmoothlypossible.

Figure10.TheTurnover Coachingsuggestions:Emphasizethefastandsnappymovementofthearms.Thisparticularturnover action is designed to keep the bar moving in a linear pathway, and will ultimately be used to force the lifter to wedgethebodyundertheweightinthesquatsnatch.Encouragetheathletetorotatetheelbowsforwardand pressup.Dontforgettoemphasizemaintenanceofthefocalpoint.Thesnatchgrippressinfrontoftheneckisa goodexercisetolearnthemovement.Incorporatingthearmsintothesnatchmovementwillenabletheathleteto remainawareofthepositionofthebarandhowtoreacttoitsdynamicsduringthecatchandamortizationphase. THESNATCHTHECATCH Theprimaryexercisetoteachthecatchingoftheweightoverheadisthepowersnatchfromblocks.The greatestdifficultyhereliesintheabilityofthelegstostopthedownwarddropofthebodysimultaneouslywith the lockout of the bar overhead. This movement will differ from the muscle snatch in three ways: the weights used will be heavier, the arm lockout will be much faster, and the legs and hips will bend as the lifter simultaneouslylowersthebodyunderthebarasitislockedout. Thestartingpositionwillbethesameasinallpreviousexercises.

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The power snatch from blocks (Figures, 7, 9 11): The bar is pulled rapidly as before, and the action remains identical to that of the muscle snatch. The primary difference here is the action of the legs. At the completionofthelegextensioninthepullandsimultaneouswiththeactionofthearms,thefeetwillbeplanted andthekneesandhipsunlockedtoallowthebodytoloweritselfunderthebar.Thelegsandhipsshouldthen instantaneouslytightenandstopinapositionresemblingaonequartertoonehalfsquat.Thispositionshouldbe heldforacoupleofsecondsinordertoreinforcebalance.Theentiremovementshouldbefastandsnappy. Coaching suggestions: Emphasize speed. Reviewing the maintenance of the arched back and the focal pointmaybeinorder.Emphasisshouldbeplacedonkeepingthebalanceontheballsofthefeetduringthepull phase. A set consisting of a shrug, a high pull and power snatch will help to reinforce the necessary motor patterns.

Figure11.Powersnatchfromblocks. THESNATCHTHECATCHANDMORE Thesquatsnatchislearnedwhenthetraineecannegotiateapowersnatchandthendropwithcontrol intoanoverheadsquatposition.Oncethepowersnatchismastered,theathletecanthenproceedtogointoan overheadsquatwithoutstandingerectbetweenthetwomovements.Thedescentintotheoverheadsquatshould becontrolledbythehipsandlegs,andcrashingshouldbeavoidedsincethiscanleadtoinjuryandlossofcontrol. Emphasisshouldbeplacedonbeingawareofthepositionofthebarthroughouttheentiremovement.Itisusual for the stance of the overhead squat to differ from the stance for the pull. To accommodate this the athlete

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should move both feet at the completion of the pull and prior to or simultaneous with the catch. This will generally be a lateral move, and in no case should it be intentionally forward or backward, at least during the learning phases. The actual movement of the feet should be a skimming one, and not a hop since the body is nonsupportivewhenthefeetarenotincontactwiththefloor. Aftermanyrepetitionsofpowersnatchoverheadsquatcombinations,amotorpatternwilldevelopthat isconducivetolearningthesquatsnatchoffblocks,andtheathletewilldevelopasenseofsecurityinthesquat position. THESNATCHTHESQUATSNATCHOFFBLOCKS(Figures7,9,12) The learning of the squat snatch (In this case the term squat snatch being employed to differentiate it fromthepowersnatch.Inreality,itshouldproperlybecalledthesnatch.)isanalmostallornothingproposition. The power snatch/overhead squat combination is merely a jumping off point. From this point, heavier weights mustbeemployeduntiltheathletecannolongercatchtheweightataheightsignificantlyabovethefullbottom position. Much fear and trepidation may precede the mastery of the squat snatch, but once the movement is performed correctly this fear seems to vanish almost simultaneously. Only a great many repetitions of concentratedtechnicaltrainingcanleadtothedevelopmentofasoundsnatchingtechnique.Repetitionsshould bekepttodoublesandtriplesandconstantoversightbythecoachisnecessarytopreventflawsfromdeveloping. Again it is helpful to perform a shrug, a high pull and then a squat snatch to reinforce correct pulling technique. Shadow lifting or performing the movement with an empty bar has some value as far as kinesthetic developmentisconcerned.Thecoachshouldconstantlyreemphasizetheimportanceoffocalpointandarched back. The arched back is especially important during the catch in the bottom position in order to prevent a collapseinposture,andsubsequentlossofthelift,oraninjury. When the squat snatch is performed correctly, the athlete will feel the body being pushed into the bottom position through the actions of the arms as they lock out. During this phase (called the amortization phase), the torso should be tightened in preparation for supporting the weight. Once the bottom position is reached, the entire body should tightened in preparation for the recovery. Frequently, it may be necessary to balance for a moment in the bottom position, but remaining there for an unnecessary period of time will only fatiguetheathleteandmakerecoverytoanuprightstancemoredifficult. Coachingsuggestion:Thesquatsnatchisnotavariationofthepowersnatch,norviceversa.Theyare,in fact,twodifferent,thoughsimilarmovements.Thisshouldbeemphasizedtotheathlete.Thereisnosubstitute forlearningthesquatsnatchproperly.

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Figure12.Fullbottompositionofsquatsnatchoffblocks. THESNATCHPULLINGOFFTHEFLOOR Dividingthefirstpullintotwophases:Forthepurposeoflearningthepulloffthefloor,experienceshow thatitshouldbelearnedintwophasesthefirstfromthefloortothekneesandthesecondfromthekneestothe powerpositionashasbeendescribedinaprevioussection.Thefirstphaseofthefirstpullbeginswiththelearning ofthegetsetposition. Addressingthebar:Theathleteshouldlearntoproperlyaddressthebar,thatismakesurethatitisinthe properpositionontheplatformforthelifttocommence.Oncetheathletetakesagripthereshouldbenorolling ofthebar,asthisaddsanothervariationtothetechniquethatisbothdistractingandunproductive.Mostlifters will roll the bar until it is perpendicular to the median axis and then stand over the bar and gather themselves beforesquattingdowntotakethegrip. Thegetsetposition(Figure13):Withthebarbellonthefloorinfrontofthelifter,thefeetshouldplaced at the previously empirically determined optimal width and the angle in such a manner that the bar is directly abovethemetatarsals.Thetorsoshouldnotbeinclinedforwardfromthehipjointwiththebackarchedinsucha mannerthatthechestandabdomenareprotrudedforward.Thekneesshouldbesimultaneouslybentuntilthe barisincontactwiththeshins.Whilekeepingthebackarched,theliftershouldinclinethetorsotoapointwhere theshouldersareaheadofthebarandthepreviouslydeterminedsnatchwidthgripwithahook.Thelegsshould be in a quarter to third squat. The head may either be at an angle to view the focal point at slightlyabove standingeyeheightorheldatananglethatallowsthenecktoformastraightalignmentwiththeupperspine.The

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balanceoftheliftershouldnowbeontheballsofthefeet,althoughtheheelsaremaintainedincontactwiththe platform.Thisistheoptimalgetsetposition.

Figure13.Thegetsetpositionforpullingoffthefloor. The first phase (Figures 13 and 14): As the bar travels from the floor to knee height every effort must madetoinsurethatthecorrectangleofthetorsoinrelationshiptotheplatformismaintained.Thatisthehips and shoulders should travel upward at the same speed. The best way to conceptualize this is to think of the barbellasastationaryimplementandtheplatformasmovable.Theoptimalmovement,therefore,istopushthe floordownbyextendingthelegsonly.Thiswillcausethebarbelltobegintoswingforwardtoapositiondirectly under the shoulders. Every effort must be made to avoid this since the success of the pull is dependent upon keepingtheshouldersaheadoforabovethebarbellduringthefirstphaseandsecondphase. Thisisaccomplishedbystabilizingthearmswiththelatissimusdorsi.This,however,maytendtopullthe elbowsbackward.Thiscanbepreventedbymedialrotationofthearmsbythepectoralismajor. Duringtheliftingofthebarfromthefloortotheknee,thebalancewillmovefromtheballsofthefeet backwardandslightlylaterallytothemiddleoftheanteriorposterioraxisofthefoot,butneverasfarbackasthe heels. Learningthisfirstphaseisvital,andmanysetsoftwotothreerepsmustbeperformedtodevelopthis pattern.Atnotimemusttheshouldersbeallowedtomovebehindthebarduringthisphase. Whileexpertsadvocatethearmsbeingratherlooseandropelikeduringthisphase,theymust,infact,be heldrigidlystraight.Thismightbestbeconceptualizedbyconsideringthebartobeagymnasticshorizontalbar whiletheathleteholdsaplanche.Inthismanner,theathleteisusingthetokeeptheshouldersinfrontofthebar.

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Figure14.Phaseonepullfromfloortoknees. Thesecondphase:Inthesecondphaseofthepulloffthefloor,theathleteisconcernedwithcockingthe trigger,sotospeak.Thebarwillbemovedfromthekneestothepowerposition,whichcanbeanywherefrom midthightocrotchheightdependingupontherelativelimblengthsandbodyweight.Themostimportantfeature isthatthekneeswillactuallyrebendastheymoveforwardunderthebar,andthepointofbalancewillshitfrom midfoottotheballofthefootwhiletakingamoremedialpathwayduringthereturn(asopposedtothepathway takenduringthefirstphase) Philosophicalapproach:Whileactuallyimpossible,thetheoreticalidealistomovethebarinapathway that is basically a vertically straight line (as viewed from the side). Any excessive movement of the bar in the sagittal plane is discouraged. Since the athlete has the best leverage in bar movements that are vertical. To accomplishthis,theaimistomovethebodyintothemostbiomechanicallyeffectivepositionsasthebarcontinues initsupwardpath. Continuingoninthesecondphaseofthepulloffthefloor(Figure15) Once the bar has been pulled above the knees, with the shoulders still in front of the bar, the lifter extendsthehipsforcingthemtobrieflymakecontactwiththebar,forcingthekneesforwardunderthebarwhile strikingthebarwiththetopsofthethighsand/orthehips.Duringthisphasethebarisrisinginnearlyastraight line,andthehipsarebeingbroughtclosertotheverticalpathwayTheshouldersmuststillbekeptinfrontofthe barthroughcontractionofthelatissimus.Whenthebarhasreachedthepowerposition,thebalanceshouldnow beontheballsofthefeet,readytojumpwiththeheelsstillincontactwiththeplatform.Ifthelifterstartedthe movementwiththeheadasanextensionofthespinktheheadshouldnowbeinapositiontoallowviewingofthe focalpoint.

2007RobertTakano

Takanoathletics.com

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Figure15.Continuationofphasetwopullingthebarfromthemidthighorhips. Acommonproblem Themostcommonproblemassociatedwithpullingofftheflooristhetendencyofthelifterstoshoot thehipsattheverybeginningofthelift.Whatwillpreventthisisaverycontrolledeccentriccontractionofthehip flexors. Hips commonly rise prematurely due to an isometric contraction of the hip flexors coupled with an attempttoplacethelegsinafavorableleveragepositionpriortoactuallymovingtheweightoffthefloor.The correctmotorpatternmustconstantlybecoachedandreinforced.Thisisonebadhabitthatmustnotbeallowed todevelop. Alearningpattern The lift might best be learned by performing sets of four repetitions in a combination of four different exercises.Inthefirstrepetition,theweightisliftedonlytokneeheightandheldforatwosecondpause.Inthe secondrepetition,theweightisliftedfromthefloortopowerposition.Inthethirdrepetitiontheweightishigh pulled.Inthefinalrepetition,afullsnatchmovementisperformed(Figure16).

2007RobertTakano

Takanoathletics.com

Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

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Figure16.Fullsnatchposition Areviewofthesnatch Thefollowingsequenceshouldbeperformedinthecorrectperformanceofafullsquatsnatch: 1. Startingposition a) Optimalgrip b) Optimalstance c) Archedback d) Shoulderaheadofthebar 2. Pullfromthefloor a) Firstphase b) Secondphaseandshift 3. PowerPosition 4. Jump a) Legextension b) Hipextension 5. Shrug 6. ArmPull 7. Turnoveranddropunderbar 8. Lockandcatch 9. Tightenandsupportintobottomposition Learningthesnatch Learning the correct patterns for the snatch is best done with weights that are in the 60 to 85 percent range of weights. This obviously going to be an approximation with the neophyte since it is impossible to determine100percentiftechniquehasnotbeenlearned. One of the problems of working with the lower percentages is that these lifts become power snatches ratherthansquatsnatches.Twooptionsareavailablefortheathlete,andbothshouldbeutilized.Thefirstisto

2007RobertTakano

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Coachingoptimaltechniqueinthesnatchandthecleanandjerk

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simplypowersnatchandthenridetheweightdownintotheoverheadsquat.Thesecondistoperformthesecond pull at submaximal speed, while moving under to catch it at maximum speed. As the weight increases in this secondvariationthespeedofthepullcanbeincreasedtomaximum,whilethespeedofmovementunderthebar canbemaintained.Themaximizingofbothspeedsshouldbereachedataroundthe85percentofmaximumlevel. Toreiterateandreinforce,technicaltrainingshouldtakeplaceatthebeginningoftheworkoutwhenthe nervoussystemisfresh.Itshouldbesupervisedverycloselyinitiallytoinsurethatincorrectmotorpatternsdonot develop. Aclosingnotetocoaches Mostexperiencedcoachesshouldbeawareofthefactthatitismoreimportanttoteachthefeelingofa movement, rather than to just tell the athlete what to do. Obviously this feeling can best be imparted by someonewhocancorrectlyperformthemovements,butthiswillnotbepossibleinallcases.Acoachsalternative tolearningtheliftsistodiscussthemwithapracticingOlympiclifterwithgoodtechniqueorwithaweightlifting coachexperiencedinteachingthelifts. My closing bit of advice brings to mind the first episode of Star TrekThe Menagerie. In that maiden voyage,adismemberedwomanistheonlysurvivorofaspaceshipcrashonanalienplanet.Thealientechnology allowsthemtosaveherlifeandreconstructherbody.However,sincetheyhadnootherexamplesavailablesheis reassembledinarathergrotesquecaricatureofahuman.Wehadnoidea.Explainthealienstothecaptainof theEnterprise. Ifyouaregoingtocoachthelifts,youneedtoseewhattheylooklikewhenperformedcorrectlyandno number of articles, pictures, or videos is going to replace the real thing. The timing and dynamics can only be appreciatedbyactuallywitnessingthelifts.

2007RobertTakano

Takanoathletics.com