Jumping Backward

[Brian DeGennaro]

I understand that bumping the bar or letting it get away from you will make you jump forward, but what makes the lifter jump back? I used to jump back when I lifted before this summer, but now I am always jumping forward.

Anyways, so what causes the lifter to jump backwards?

[Greg Everett]

Could be a couple things. If you're able to get your weight really far back over your feet and keep it there with a considerable layback, you'll jump backward. More likely, though, is that you're sweeping your feet back as you pull under - that is, your body is pretty much staying in place, but you're flexing your knees without lifting the knees enough during the third pull, so your feet end up behind your center of mass. Only way to know for sure is to see video.

[Matt Edwards]

I noticed yesterday that while I snatch, I jump back also. I posted in my log asking about it but no one made any comments about it. I plan on filming my lifts on Friday and I can post them in this thread and my log to get better feedback.

[Matt Edwards]

Battery on my camera ended up being dead when I went to the gym Friday. Going to make sure it';s charged for this Friday's session.

[Jamie Crichton]

I think I do the thing Greg described. I often find myself having to step forward when recovering snatches as my weight is on my toes almost. However, I do consistently land further back from where I took off. When I checked out some video footage, I do seem to flex the knees and sweep the feet back, so that although my centre of balance is in the same place, my feet are behind it so I end up having to stagger forward or just missing it.

What's the best way to fix this? I do footwork drills often. Also what has seemed to help is making a concious effort to not jump off the ground. My feet will leave the floor, but return quickly and usually in a better position. Is this advisable?

[Greg Everett]

jamie -

Snatch balances, tall snatches help. Also, when pulling under, try to think about pushing your heels back to the platform.

Careful that you don't end up stuck to the platform completely - it's good to barely come off of it, but you will run into other problems if your feet stay planted.