Snatch v Power Snatch

[Eddie Paz]

Hi,

I am a beggining lifter who has been Olly lifting for 8 months now. I have been having a bit of trouble recently with my snatch, that sometimes afterwards I feel a twinge on my left shoulder.

Approaching my last contest I tweaked my shoulder a few times. It is never bad enough to stop me lifting. Anyway... I snatched 50kg and went to do 55kg. I had a brain fade and power snatched it. I then went to 56 determined to do the movement correctly and I got it, but in the process pulled my shoulder far worse than before. It didn't stop my from C&J but I took it easy (85kg). If that hadn't of been my last lift I wouldn't have snatched again.

Anyway my coach was away, and afterwards I got thinking about quitting snatch for a period of time, and power snatching (as I never hurt it power snatching). I hate snatching, I hate the OHS position, the only thing that has changed is my concern for my shoulder. I want to switch to power snatch for at least until my next meet, march 17. And I have to admit, I also think I will enjoy the sport more.

I ran this by the other coaches around the club and they thought it was a okay idea - but my main coach got back today and did not like the idea. He thinks the shoulder issue is due to my form, and since it doesn't come up at lighter weights, the solution is to scale back what I am doing and work on my form.

I can't argue with his logic, but I am concerned about doing some damage. I am 30 years old and aren't going to so anything career wise with my lifts... I'm just having fun training.

I was just wondering what people's thoughts were?

[Greg Everett]

Do the snatch properly, don't just eliminate it. You can eliminate it and not experience a problem, but as soon as you re-introduce it, the problem will be back and you'll be no better off than you are now.

Identify the cause of the problem with your coach and come up w strategy to correct it. At the very least, overhead squat your power snatches after receiving them, and make sure you're still doing snatch balances and overhead squats to improve the bottom position and improve/maintain mobility.

[Tamara Reynolds]

How old are you?

What are your goals in the sport this year? In 5 years? In your lifetime?

[Eddie Paz]

I am 30

I lift to get strong. I compete because I enjoy it.

I don't really have a 5 year goal... Not getting injured? Keeping lifting after the marriage and babies 30 to 35 will bring

I am starting to think it is all in my shoulders and overhead squat... I have reread that part of the book. Am I holding the bar too far back?

[Tamara Reynolds]

Does your shoulder hurt in those videos?

Have you seen a physician or physical therapist about the pain you're having?

Does it hurt during any exercises other than a full snatch or OHS?

Also, why don't you think that power snatching is "doing the movement correctly?"

[Eddie Paz]

Hi Tamara,

- no it does not
- yes doctor, no to specialist
- no it does not, although once aggravated, OHP and chins will hurt it, though if it 'settled' they never will
- I am not sure i understand what you're asking

I understand how silly a thread is on an injury and i do appreciate the time that you have taken on my thread. I am/was discouraged by my incredible slow process on the snatch that doesn't seem to be doing anything but injuring me... But after a few days to think it over I am bit more optimistic, anyway my point is that I understand you're not going to be able to fix an injury through a forum, so I am happy to close this thread.

Thanks again for your time