Topic: I can't catch the bar when I snatch!

[ViKtoricus]

A while ago, I attempted a max snatch of 105 pounds (with ten-pound weight plates stacked on top of each other to be used as a way to rest the 105-pound barbell on.).

I can pull it high enough, and there was a moment when the bar was in PERFECT POSITION and the only thing I had to do was stand up, which would've been very easy. However, before I even tried to stand up, the bar decided to just fall in front of me. Failed lifts.

This happens ALL the time. Reccomendations please?

Thanks in advance.

[Arturo Gómez]

More cue in your shoes.

[ViKtoricus]

More cue in your shoes.

LOL. Shoes?? I wear sandals. I wanna do weightlifting barefoot to be honest, if my gym allows it...

Weightlifting shoes are for weightlifters. I am too unworthy to be a weightlifter because my current max front squat (SUPER ATG and with a pause at the bottom) is only 175 pounds.

So yeah. I deserve to wear my crappy sandal-shoes. And like I said, I prefer them over regular shoes because they're more comfortable.

[Arturo Gómez]

I used lot of years wear shoes for competition and training. Technically has no difference with weightliftng shoes, and avoids your that problem.

[Andy Dick]

Vik,

It is hard to say for sure without a video.  I used to have the same problem when I would approach my max as well.  I found it was usually the result of failing to get full extension at the top of the pull.  Try to make sure you are getting your hips in fully and getting straight with your body before dropping below the weight.  This is much easier said then done especially without a coach.

[ViKtoricus]

Vik,

It is hard to say for sure without a video.  I used to have the same problem when I would approach my max as well.  I found it was usually the result of failing to get full extension at the top of the pull.  Try to make sure you are getting your hips in fully and getting straight with your body before dropping below the weight.  This is much easier said then done especially without a coach.

I am too awesome for a coach. All I need is you guys. ;)



Thank you. I will try to do that. Do you think power snatches and snatch pulls would teach me how to properly get to full extension?

[Andy Dick]

I personally use pulls to focus on it, less to worry about technically.  I do power versions only for 1 or 2 warm-up sets when lifting but I always feel like my technique is worse with power movements than with the full movement (I feel, have not watched video on it though, that I have more trouble being patient enough to get full extension on power).  It is really going to be based on the individual.  I suggest if you are able to do the full lift to stick with full since that is how you will be competing.

[Albert B. Gonzalez]

A while ago, I attempted a max snatch of 105 pounds (with ten-pound weight plates stacked on top of each other to be used as a way to rest the 105-pound barbell on.).

I can pull it high enough, and there was a moment when the bar was in PERFECT POSITION and the only thing I had to do was stand up, which would've been very easy. However, before I even tried to stand up, the bar decided to just fall in front of me. Failed lifts.

This happens ALL the time. Reccomendations please?

Thanks in advance.

Aside from all the professional advice you are luckily recieving from the regulars i'd like to offer my own . youve been unsuccessful with the snatch not only from the technical and strength aspect. after reading your first paragraph i can see that you dont like to accept failure, the "BAR" doesnt "decide" anything. of course i dont have a video to check it out with but ill guess anyway. your shoulders were not over the bar enough , your butt is too high your arms bent too early , causing you to not fully extend your hips "banged" the bar causing it to arc , and when you entered the catch phase a plethora of things couldve happened but ill just say you paused in the bottom as you struggled to regain your balance and then  you dropped .am i close? YOU NEED TO FOCUS. But this comes at  a price: patience, humility, a diregard  numbers if you dont have these qualities it aint gonna happen