Coaching techniques in Weightlifting may vary, but the mechanics which dictate the techniques do not. This is because the biomechanics of lifting comes from the unchangeable source of the laws of physics themselves. There is a body of research on Weightlifting spanning forty years based upon scientific facts and not nebulous concepts doled out by hobbyists masquerading as coaches.
The information provided below is the technical description of the Snatch and Clean pull from the start of the lift through the completion of the 2nd pull or "explosion." It was taken from the scientific research done on Weightlifting (see bibliography.) The research some have referred to as “dogma.” However, it is this same “dogma” which has created decades of World/Olympic records and champions and continues to do so today.
After reading this article you will understand the basics of “modern” pulling mechanics and why they are the most effective and efficient way to pull a barbell.
Some Useful Definitions:
Acceleration - the rate at which something speeds up or slows down
Velocity - the measurement of the rate and direction of change in the position of an object
Speed - the magnitude of an objects rate of change of position
Moment Force - the tendency of a force to rotate an object
Center of Gravity - the mean location of the gravitational force acting on a body
Common Center of Gravity - the center of gravity of the lifter and the barbell calculated as
one unit.
“Obviously, the most advantageous starting position for the levers of the kinematic chain will be such that, during the loading, the moments will be the smallest for all the levers; because this will require the smallest muscle moments”
-Ilya Pavlovich Zhekov-
Biomechanics Of The Weightlifting Exercises
The Starting Position
The lifter must assume a starting position in which he/she can create maximal vertical acceleration to the barbell with the least amount of effort. The moment forces acting on the hip, knee and ankle joint must be minimized in order for the lifter to separate the barbell from the floor while maintaining an ideal body position for the subsequent “2nd Pull” or “explosion.” This optimal starting posture can only be realized through proper manipulation of ankle, knee, and hip angles. Therefore, the correct starting position will depend on the lifters height, body proportions, and the grip width. These variables must be manipulated so the shoulders are over or slightly ahead of the bar at the point of lift off, the elbow joint is aligned with or in close proximity with the knee joint, and the bar is over the metatarsal-phalangeal joint (the 2nd joint of the toe) as is the lifters balance of pressure. Upon lift off, the knees should be at an angle of approximately 80-110°, depending upon body segment ratios. Lifters with short extremities and long torsos will have a smaller starting knee angle than lifters with long extremities and a short torso.
First Pull
As the bar is lifted from the floor (primarily through leg extension), the muscles which extend the torso work isometricly. This allows the hips and shoulders to rise at the same rate, moving the torso upward and slightly forward. During this initial extension of the legs the bar will shift towards the body approximately 4-12 centimeters (depending on the height of the lifter) until the knee angle reaches approximately 135-145°, the torso approximately 30° relative to the platform, and the hip is at an angle of approximately 85-90°. At this point the shins will be vertical, the lifters balance of pressure will have shifted slightly towards the ankle, and the bar will be at the lower third of the thigh in the Snatch and a little above the knee for the Clean. During this phase of the pull, speed of the barbell increases
due to the large applied vertical force, which produces acceleration and increased power output by the athlete. Because the moment forces on all of the largest joints of the body are so great as the legs straighten, it is imperative the barbell come back towards the lifter during the first pull. In the book The Snatch The Clean And Jerk Robert Roman states “The movement of the barbell in this manner is more advantageous than a strictly vertical elevation of the weight”
This action minimizes the horizontal distance between the bar and the hips, decreasing the moment force, allowing for proper utilization of the leg extensors. If a straight barbell path is used, the common center of gravity will be shifted forward towards the toes. This causes a large increase in the moment forces of all the working joints and a decrease in the bodies ability to create the acceleration, speed and power necessary for an efficient lift.
Once the legs have extended to a knee angle of approximately 135-145°, the bar has reached a maximum speed and therefore has an acceleration close to zero. The legs are no longer able to influence the speed and positive acceleration of the bar. Therefore a transitional period occurs as the muscles which extend the torso become active.
2nd Pull or “Explosion”
There is a transition from the 1st to the 2nd pull . As the torso begins to extend toward the vertical, the bar continues to rise while the hips move toward the bar and the knees mo ve back under the bar. The shins are at an angle of approximately 70° with the torso at 60° relative to the platform. The hip joint is at an angle of 110-115°. During this transition there is a leveling or small decrease in the speed of the bar until the “power position” is reached. This is immediately followed by the 2nd pull or explosive phase of the pull marked by maximal vertical force, acceleration, and power output due to ankle, knee and hip extension and elevation of the shoulder girdleAt the point of full extension (end of the explosion) the athletes heels leave the ground, the lifters body is extended and inclined backwards. The bar will begin to travel in an arc away from the lifter. At this point the lifters center of gravity will shift backward. However, the common center of gravity remains over the foot as a result of the barbells forward movement. 
As the lifter begins the decent, the barbell will then again come back to towards the lifter due to the strong force acting on the bar by the action of the arms.
A Word On Barbell Trajectory
The weightlifter and barbell have a relationship called the “weightlifter-barbell system.” In this system it is the force of gravity which provides the resistance the lifter must overcome. It is a self-tuning system which is continuously adjusting and looking for the correct combinations of muscle contractions and relaxations in order to create a “best” way to lift the barbell.
While it is true moving an object in a straight line represents the shortest distance between two points and requires less work. It is not the “best” way to lift a barbell. In mechanics, work performed against gravity is measured by the height an object is raised and does not depend upon its trajectory. Since the weightlifter-barbell system is self-tuning, it will seek out the “best” most efficient bar trajectory. Which is one where the forces acting on the ankle, knee, and hip, are minimized. This can be accomplished in two ways: reducing acceleration, or reducing the lever arm of the working joints in order to counteract the force of gravity. Reducing acceleration is inefficient and will negatively effect the outcome of a lift. Reducing the lever arm of the working joints is the only effective means to overcome the force of gravity. This is precisely what occurs when the lifter shifts the barbell toward the body during the first pull.
The Difference Between Mechanics And Technique
Although some top lifters may have observable differences in “technique”, this is not an indication of new or better lifting mechanics. The mechanics for lifting a barbell properly are 100% objective. It’s important to note, mechanics are not the same as one’s technique. Mechanics of Weightlifting are the forces involved with lifting a barbell and the causes behind them. Technique is the visual manifestation of these forces. Causes behind force production such as gravity, mass, and distance can be measured with precision. Using the aforementioned constants, variables involved with the mechanics of force production such as joint angles, bar trajectories, and balance are manipulated in order to establish the most efficient pulling mechanics.
The observable differences in “technique” have to do with an individual’s peculiarities such as anthropometry or leg/torso strength distribution. These peculiarities will dictate actions, which will suit an individual lifter’s needs. Simply mimicking a particular athletes pulling technique without possessing their anthropometry or peculiarities will often lead to poor pulling mechanics.
Learning how to properly execute the Snatch and Clean and Jerk will be a direct function of the competency of your coach. Although competent coaches may use differing methods for teaching technique, we are all teaching the same mechanics.
Until the laws of physics change, the mechanics of lifting a barbell and the forces involved will remain as described by scientists and coaches for four decades. Getting an idea from watching a video then discussing it on a forum is not Scientific Method it is opinion, and should be stated as such.
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Fight until your very last breath!
-Sean-
Sean Waxman is the owner of Waxman’s Gym. It’s an Olympic Weightlifting and Sports Performance gym located in Southern California near LAX airport. Its the only gym in Southern California dedicated to all things Olympic Weightlifting!
Bibliography:
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Baumann, W. and V. Gross. “The Snatch Technique of World Class Weightlifters at the 1985 World Championships.” Inter. J. Sport Biomechanics 4 (1988): 68-89.
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Escamilla, R.F. and John Garhammer. “Biomechanics of Powerlifting and Weightlifting Exercises.” Exercise and Sports Science. Eds. Garrett and Kirkendale. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2000. 585-615.
Garhammer, John. “Biomechanical Analysis of Selected Snatch Lifts at the U.S. Senior National Weightlifting Championships.” Biomechanics of Sport and Kinanthropometry. Eds. Landry and Orban. Miami: Symposia Specialists, 1978. 475-484.
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