Topic: Double knee bend

[Gabriel Grinstead]

Paul,

I don't think that is quite right. If you look at each frame, or the link I supplied above, you will notice that before the back of straighened out, your bend your knees again and during that bend the weight is right next to you at your belly and then your have another leg drive combined with the traps etc for your second pull.  It is extremely complicated to learn, unless it comes natural from I can tell.

I think you are making note of the difference in the type of Snatch.  Meaning, Power Snatch, or Squat Snatch.  You can certainly do a squat snatch without a double knee bend and from what I have read, not everyone elite record holder lifter does the double knee bend.

I could be wrong on this, but it is my understanding after reading the article.  I know that I do NOT double bend.  But I am quite capable of doing a squat snatch.

[Matt Denslinger]

I pretty sure the double knee bend refers to the straightening of the legs at the initial drive and then the unconscious bending and shifting of the knees underneath the barbell to help prepare for the final explosion phase of the pull. Of course, like many things the degree of the DKB is largely individual, however all elite athletes incorporate it.

[Jim Storch]

Matt is correct.  The "double knee bend" is part of the pull and happens automatically.

[Tracy Fober]

There are those who TEACH the DKB quite successfully--using a top-down method.  When you are watching Derrick Crass clean 200kg, you are watching someone who uses and always teaches the DKB to his athletes, from day one.

Resetting the knees, via ankle dorsiflextion & knee flexion, under the bar, sets the body up for triple extension.  In my opinion, it is critical that the lifter understands this idea when initally learning the lifts.  

Whether or not the bar kicks out or the lifter pulls behind too far backward vs. vertically, are additional issues--and very complex, in my opinion.  

Just so you know there are those out there who take the other perspective.  I guess it just depends on who teaches you first.


Tracy

[Paul LaDuke]

Thanks for correcting my error (without flaming) and teaching me something new.  This is what makes this forum great and seperates it from other forums.

[Mark Limbaga]

One reason I love reading through this thread is the reason you mentioned!

Thanks for correcting my error (without flaming) and teaching me something new.  This is what makes this forum great and seperates it from other forums.