Topic: Snatch Technique

[Matt Erdman]

I've been working on my snatch recently trying to get the bar to contact higher, like at the hip joint instead of on my thigh. Basically like this:

http://www.sportexpert.biz/wl/video_119.htm

But it seems that isn't the only way. Here are two examples of contacting on the thighs.

http://www.sportexpert.biz/wl/video_116.htm

http://www.sportexpert.biz/wl/video_123.htm

Both are great lifts.

One thing I know is that I do need to stay closer to the bar at full extention. Here are some pics from my 90kg snatch. Notice the contact on my thighs still.

[Paul LaDuke]

One thing is notice is that your arms are fairly long, especially in relationship to your height.  You also hold the bar fairly high overhead (5-7" is standard).  Your bar height is higher than the video examples you posted.  The relatively narrow grip results in lower contact on the thigh.  If you were to hold the bar wider, the contact point will rise in relation to it.  I would play around with a slightly wider hand grip and see if that is comfortable first off and if it results in a greater snatch.  It may be better off just keeping your grip width the way it is as your form is solid and not worry about the thigh contact point .  The form you have now maybe what is best for your body type. 

[Brogan Cyrzon]

I'm having that same problem as well only I hit my thighs real hard when I pull the weight and have massive bruises on my thighs...problem is I cant grip any wider because I am already just about collar to collar. Anyone have any ideas that can help me with this problem?

[Matt Erdman]

Thanks Paul. I'm only about an inch from the collars, so there isn't much room left. I just widened my grip recently, so I'll hold off on the collars for a little bit.

Brogan, the bar may be too far in front when you start, and it is swinging back at you. Also you may be starting with your hips too high. Try starting with the bar closer and squat down a little more.

[Paul LaDuke]

Matt,

I don't think I would change much to your snatch grip.  I also wouldn't worry about the location of the thigh contact as long as that thigh contact is a brush and as long as the contact point is consistant.  I think your form looks very solid so don't mess with it.  Now you must maintain your solid form and improve your leg strength and power output.

Brogan,

I would agree with Matt, if you are banging your thighs pretty hard, your first pull is off somewhere.  Your set up may be off, the bar path in the first pull may be off, your hip, knee or back angles may be off during the first pull, etc.  Post a video here and you will get some amazing help on what your flaw is and how to correct it.

[Brogan Cyrzon]

Matt, Paul. Thank you both very much on the advice I will try and correct that as best i can. And I will also try getting a video up asap.

[Shaun Le Conte]

Hi Matt, I've been told to flex the wrists and contract the lats when the bar is at my thighs. It's a lot easier said than done but if done successfully the result will be to keep the bar closer, and draw it up towards the hips. I doubt I do this myself

[Dave Almeida]

take a look at your third picture you posted of yourself and compare it to akakide in the same position... your legs a tad too straight, tough to notice but it explains where the bar is when you are at full extension