Author Topic: power clean elbow positon (Read 802 times)

amy kelly · « **on:** Jun 23, 2006, 11:37 AM »

i am just begining to start into oly and decided to try the power clean as the first full motion after doing the partials to start to get the lift start right. some references state that power cleans should end elbows up high in the catch and other say down. i tried to duplicate it high to no success. is one right over the other? and if they are supposed to end high, how exactly do you get to able to swing the elbows up like that?

Chris Ⓐ LeRoux · « **Reply #1 on:** Jun 24, 2006, 07:31 AM »

Amy,

Welcome to the site and the sport. Rather than explain the whole concept you are asking about in words, I've attached a picture below of an excellent demo model. Pete, the model, is squat cleaning so the elbows must be even higher, much higher, than is necessary when catching/racking a power clean but the idea is the same and evident. Also, check out these videos (especially the Dartfish medianbook) in this link or all over the forum. And, don't be afraid to ask for more info. Hopefully this will get you started on the right track.

Videos & Mediabook: http://www.weightliftingexchange.com/viewtopic.php?t=2243

amy kelly · « **Reply #2 on:** Jun 24, 2006, 06:46 PM »

thank you for the video,it is great to be able to see the lift in slow motion from both angles. since it looks like i will need to get to the elbows up position when i start doing cleans, i was wondering if to get the elbows up if i had to do some kind of flexbility training before attempting squat or power cleans? right now, they are about half way if that.

Chris Ⓐ LeRoux · « **Reply #3 on:** Jun 24, 2006, 07:42 PM »

Amy,

One stretch I find particularly useful is to tuck your elbow in tight at your side with your hand up in the rack position for a power clean. Then, bend the fingers and thumb backward using your other hand. I also use my chin to help push my free hand down into the hand being stretched. I stretch a couple fingers at a time so I can push them further but also stretch all 4 fingers and thumb backward together at the same time.

We were going to record some training video soon and when we do I'll try to record the stretch.

Cheers

amy kelly · « **Reply #4 on:** Jun 24, 2006, 08:31 PM »

i think i understand the stretch. i just gave it a try and pressing the fingers shot my elbow up. i don't understand the chin part, but that could be from having wide shoulders.
thank you.