Clean Technique question

[Matt Edwards]

During the Snatch, my long arms tend to pay off and don't cause a problem. However, my build doesn't quite suit the Clean that well. Think of what you'd like to see in a deadlifter and that's me (elongated upper traps from lower trap dominance, and very long arms relative to torso [in my "neutral" position my fingertips are only 4-5 inches from my patella]). I've always brushed about mid/low-thigh during my Cleans. Recently I've begun wondering how to be able to brush higher and I've found if I start my pull in an isometric shrug position this moves the brush point up roughly 6-8 inches and right in the sweet spot. So this doesn't become a long-term plan, after my sessions I'm doing 1 set of Half-Kneel DB Overhead Shrugs and 1 set of DB Shrug Isometrics in an effort to shorten my upper traps.

Does this course of action seem reasonable or is there a different path I should be taking?

[Greg Everett]

There's nothing wrong w shrugging the bar up and back at the top to get the bar higher on the thigh. I think your overall plan is good, but I don't think you need to aim to get rid of the shrugging entirely.

[Matt Edwards]

Thanks Greg. I didn't mean the goal was to get rid of the "shrug" at the top, but rather get rid of the isometric shrug that begins before the first pull.

Good interview with Robertson couple weeks back by the way, it's always refreshing to hear a strength coach speak with some anatomy/biomechanics background instead of your atypical meathead.

[Greg Everett]

Originally Posted by Matt Edwards

Thanks Greg. I didn't mean the goal was to get rid of the "shrug" at the top, but rather get rid of the isometric shrug that begins before the first pull.

I understood that, but re-reading my post I see how it sounds like I meant shrugging the bar up to finish the second pull - don't do that. To clarify, as you pass the knees and get ready for the explosion at mid- to upper-thigh, shrugging the shoulders back and somewhat up to help bar position is fine.