Is the Power Snatch and Clean a similar movement to the Full/Squat Snatch & Clean???

Robbie Bremner · 08-25-2009, 02:25 AM

Currently doing a program with power snatch and clean. Have found from the videos that our movements are totally different compared to the full/squat snatch & clean. This may be a reflection on our technique?
Variation is key and I find power lifts have given me huge confidence. I will now power clean when CJ if I catch the bar high enough,therefore not wasting any unneeded energy.

What is your view on the movement difference/bar path of a power Olift compared to the Full/squat Olift???

Martin Bonn · 08-25-2009, 04:07 AM

this is an interesting one! i know that Mike B and i think GE as well say that there is now difference in movement/pulling pattern as such: you simply receive the bar higher because it was elevated more because it was lighter......
However, Tommy Kono says that the lifts are different in pulling patterns and that they should be considered different movements.
i ve found myself that i pull differently: i don t feel as rushed in the power versions because i don t have to get under the bar as much...so i always feel like i m cutting my pull short if i do a full clean/snatch. but then again my i have only just started to oly lift...

Brian DeGennaro · 08-25-2009, 04:12 AM

If your bar path and pull are different on a power variation than on a squat variation, then you're not a technically proficient lifter.

Martin Bonn · 08-25-2009, 04:16 AM

yep that s my point....i m not!
i know that they should be the same....i m working on it!

Robbie Bremner · 08-25-2009, 04:52 AM

Technique is the defining point to make. Although only the elite lifters have excellent technique.
The finishing of the pull is something that I find I am missing. Intent plays a role here too. If you are lifting a lighter weight for a power lift, your intent (giving 100%) may not be there as its a sub-maximal lift. Its easy to say that you must give 100% every lift but putting that into practise is very very hard. Therefore, every lift must be 100% in technique and 100% in effort.
I think it would be wise for all lifters at all levels to analyse their power and full lifts to make sure the bar path is the similar/same. Plus, you must lift with the intent that every lift is a max lift.

Michael McKenna · 08-25-2009, 05:41 AM

In early 2003 (wait- 2002? I need to do research, but it doesn't matter) I went through this same phase. My best competition snatch was 130, but I could barely power snatch 105, and I couldn't power snatch 90 regularly. It took me several months of training (July through December) and focusing on my technique to realize what I was doing wrong and fix it. Essentially, the movements should be nearly identical in practice. A power snatch simply means catching the bar with your hips above your knee joint. After focusing for several months, I was able to power Snatch 125 and Snatch 135, which are more in line. What does your coach say about fixing it?

Robbie Bremner · 08-26-2009, 06:49 AM

Ain't got a coach. Group of guys lifting together. My power scores are pretty good compared to the Full movements. The power clean has definately improved my lifting but as I said it is a different bar path. I think more analysis of lifts = more feedback= better technique focus=better lifts.
Thanks for your thoughts.

P.S. Has anyone ever nealy fainted while lifting? I was very close to it today on a sub-max front squat. worst feeling. Just went home strainght away and felt sick for a good few hours.

Brian DeGennaro · 08-26-2009, 07:27 AM

Yeah, that usually means you've pinched your carotid artery or windpipe. Make sure you pull your chin back and shrug your shoulders forward and up into the bar while front squatting.