Topic: It's a Long Way to the Top

[Dave Chiu]

Thanks Shaun!!

I also really like the "Korean way" -- it seems so far beyond what we're doing in the US, not just in results, but in technical preparation.

Just watching how they pull, and the obvious diligence in squatting is inspiring.

The 63k girl was one of my favorites from her class -- all 3 of the medalists were dramatically  awesome!!

[Dave Chiu]

PS --

BB --

If you want to use such a significant pre-squat (as many top lifters now do)...

... you could have no better model that Natalie Woolfolk!!

Try to avoid the abrupt stop before starting the bar off the platform -- I really like how Natalie trusts her natural reflexes to make a smooth transition from the floor w/o stopping out of the pre-squat.

Hint -- there's a LOT of back to front to back to front to back to front happening on the feet during this more modern pulling technique.

DYC

[Brian Bies]

Shaun, it makes more sense now that you explain it like it.  Do you think for beginners it's still a good way to get used to diving under a heavy barbell? (I know I still have a little nervousness on near-max lifts...)

Dave, I just watched a bunch of Natalie's videos - she's amazing.  I do feel comfortable with that pre-squat, so I will try smoothing my pre-squat into the lift itself like she does.  Would you mind expanding a little more on the "front to back..." during the lift?

Thanks for the input!

[Brian Bies]

12/6/08

Clean and Jerks
~6xbar
2x40kg
1x60kg
1x80kg
1x90kg
1x97.5kg
1x102.5kg
1x105kg
1x107.5kg (+2.5kg PR!)
1x110kg (+5kg PR!!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSgOoQQoJWw&hl=en&fs=1

Some things I noticed:

• The bar is too far forward on the catch in the clean.  On one of them I actually have to step up out of the hole to make the lift.
• I don't think  I'm dropping down as quickly on these cleans as I used too, I need to make sure not to lose speed on heavier lifts...
• My legs are all over the place on the jerks, I need to work on moving them quickly, and to the same position every time
• Also on the jerks, I think I am bending my legs too much before the drive.
• I'm an idiot for not using collars, the weight is sliding off the bar during the lifts.

Any comments/criticism are much appreciated!

[Jack]

Wow Brian, you are one strong dude. Congratulations with the PR's! If you could practice to kick up the bar when you've stood up from the squat, you could rearrange your grip for the jerk.

Sjaak

[Matt Erdman]

The clean doesn't look bad. Your jerk is the biggest problem as most of those would get red-lighted for pressouts.

I don't think you are dipping to deep, just way to slowly. As soon as you bend your legs start thinking about reversing direction as quickly as possible. Doing front squats for speed can help make your quads faster too.

On the split, just think about getting your front foot way out there. If the front foot comes up short, you will either press it or lose it.

110 is very good though. Nice work.

[Brian Bies]

Thanks for the tips Sjaak and Matt.  I will start doing front squats for speed -- should I be doing these all the way down then, or just going down as far as I would in a jerk?  If I go down the whole way, I tend to hit a sticking point about half-way up which really slows me down.

I agree about those jerks being redlighted, I definitely need more jerk work.  Next time I do them I will practice getting the front foot way the heck out there.

Got some snatch videos for you all today.

12/12/08

Snatches
6xbar
2x40kg
1x60
1x70
FAILx77.5
1x77.5
FAILx82.5
1x82.5
1x87.5
FAILx90
FAILx90
1x90 (PR match)
FAILx92.5
FAILx92.5

OK, lots of failing today. It's annoying that I failed on my lighter attempts like 77.5kg. Here's videos of the 87.5 through the 92.5:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjxztTu6wG0&hl=en&fs=1

My thoughts:

    * I need more overhead strength. Some of those were in the right position and I just let them fall down
    * I need to be quicker under the bar. I'm not getting under fast enough and the bar is able to pick up speed and crush me when I try to catch it
    * The 90kg I hit looked very fluid...I just need to make them look like that consistently...


As always, your comments and criticism are very much appreciated!

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Brian,

I would advise trying to get a little more angle in the shot when possible. I noticed your hips are actually a bit high in the snatch when you begin the pull. Also, you should not miss so many reps, especially in a row. When missing like that, you should lower the weight, regain a successful rhythm to the movement and only then work back up.

Cheers