Clean vs. the Jerk

[james libby]

So I engaged in a friendly argument today with a friend of mine, and it centered on the power output generated during the Clean vs. the Jerk. I contended that the Jerk produces more power than the Clean, no contest, and then pondered the reasons why it is not incorporated into more sport specific strength and conditioning programs (i.e. high school football, wrestling, etc…) He went as far as to say that not only is the Clean more powerful, but that the “Power Clean” generated the most power of all three lifts under discussion, and that’s why it was more commonly found in your more run of the mill strength and conditioning programs. Thoughts…

[Brian Lau]

Some relevant data:


"Upper" refers to power calculations made from after the double-knee bend to the top of the pull for the relevant lift.

Source: Garhammer, J. "Power production by Olympic weightlifters". Med. Sci. Sports Exercise 12(1):54-60, 1980.

[George Mounce]

Thanks Brian - there are pages that go into explaining why that table has the numbers it does, and its very interesting to read.