Topic: Clean catch problem

[johnlee]

Hi.

Im relatively new to weightlifting (self-taught) and was wondering what the correct form is for the catch phase of the clean. Whenever I catch, the bar lands right on my collar bones and it always result in bruises.

I've been told to pull out my shoulders (caved in chest) so I catch it solely on the shoulders but that seems impossible while still having the bar on my fingers. I've seen a lot of videos of weightlifters and noticed that they either have their chest puffed out or just neutral. So Im really confused... and hurting. :(

I also have this tendency to overpull my cleans which may be due to the fact that I learned to snatch first (pull as hard as I can) and this results in the bar actually hitting my collar bones.

[Paul LaDuke]

The problem may be with the bar path.  This may be hard to explain without pictures but I'll try.  If the bar is moving too far forward of its starting position during the 2nd pull phase, you are going to have to pull it back towards you to successfully catch it.  The natural bar path is a little forward, but too much forward would bring it crashing back towards you or you will miss it.  Another symptom of this forward movement of the bar would be your feet are moving forward during the transitition from the 2nd pull to the catch.

To prevent this excessive forward movement from happening, the bar should brush your thighs during the 2nd pull.  Your feet should also only move slightly sideways and not forwards for the catch.

Video tape yourself from the side to see if there are problems in your form.

[johnlee]

Thank you. I will try the thigh brush :). Unfortunately, I do not have a video camera to capture my lifting form so the mirror and intuition will have to do for now.