Topic: Novice Snatching

[fitz5487]

Hi Guys,

I'm a novice weightlifter with a Rugby Union Background. I learnt some basic Weightlifting techniques at school, but now age 23 I am taking my weightlifting more seriously.

In the snatch is where I am struggling the most: I have trouble getting under the bar once I have pulled it. Can anybody recommend a drill for practicing getting under the bar quickly and catching it? If it helps, I usually drop the bar forward if I miss the lift.

As with a post which I read on here recently, I am fine with Power Snatching, but just cant get down quick enough into a full squat position. Is this a common issue with those new to the sport?

I look forward to your advice!

[morgan]

I tend to do 2 types of snatch pulls

100% (of what I snatched in my last session) high and fast 5x3

maximums 5x3  not quite deadlifts but keep good form just slower


maybe for you to begin try 100% with good speed and try some snatch balance - dropping under the bar from a back squat starting postion.

[Jim Storch]

Try doing snatch balances (also known as drop snatches).  Start with the bar on your shoulders and as quickly as possible drop into a full squat while at the same time locking the arms out over head.

[Patrick Bateman]

Yes this is very common for new guys. I remember it being a very frustrating time for me. I solved it by doing this drill:

-Perform a power snatch, then an over head squat = 1 rep
-immediatley, drop the bar to the hang, and perform a high hang (dropping the bar to no lower than mid-thigh) full snatch - or your best attempt at it = 1 rep
-Then lower the bar to below the knee (maybe even to the floor), and attempt a full snatch = 1 rep

And that's a set! perform 8 set of this, do it at least twice a week, with a weight that it light enough not to be tough, but heavy enough for you practice on (Try it with the bar, then 40kg, and then maybe 50kg. Once you can do 60kg, start doing full snatches, and use this dril; as a warm up only.

Good luck!

[fitz5487]

Cheers for the advice guys! Will be trying this towards the end of the week.

I'm building a new platform in time for when my new weights arrive (I've been using a 6ft non-oylmpic bar and its starting to bend!). Hopefully should be at the end of the week! I'll stick around on this forum as well. Seems like a decent community.