Topic: Snatch Catch - Foot width

[Paul LaDuke]

I have been training the snatch for the first time consistently for about a year.  I recently entered my first competition.  I am 38 years old and have good flexibility (except for my right ankle).

My question is "How wide should you spread your legs when transitioning from the pull to the catch in the snatch?"  Is there such a thing as too wide?

I start with my feet set so that the outside of the feet are shoulder width apart.  I notice that I land with my feet wider apart than most others I see.  I end with my feet about 9-10 wider than the starting stance.  Part of the problem I have is my ankle flexibility (I severely fx the ankle in my youth and have had 3 subsequent surgeries, the latest surgery was a calcaneal osteotomy.  My right leg is 3/4" shorter than the left and there is no improving the ankle's flexibility.)

[Mike Wilds]

Paul,

If I remember correctly, from the foot positioning positions described in Roman's text...the starting position would be with the heels about 10-12" apart with the feet pointing outwards about 10 degrees.  In the transition from the first to the second pull the feet will move outward somewhat to facilitate lowering the hips into the deep squat catch position.  That being said...it seems that start positions [and catch positions of the feet] evolve to something that the individual is comfortable with...probably based on the individual's body mechanics.  Through watching videos of the world's best I've noticed a variety of foot movement [some more, some less; some with feet moving to the side, some jump forward or backward, etc.] between the starting and catching positions.  For me, in the start position I like to feel like my feet are in the strongest position to "jump"; to accelerate the bar...from there the foot movement [slightly outward] transition to the catch position takes care of itself.  Perhaps it might help to find a coach to watch and evaluate your movement.  Hope this helps.

Mike

[Don Weideman]

Paul

I sure your feet are going right where they need to go. The body does not move quickly to any position it is not comfortable. That's why we teach the lift in reverse so the body is comfortable in the movements destination. That does not mean where they need to go won't cause you problems of some other sort, but that is part of adapting to your own limitations. Your technique may be altered from the classic model, but if
you're making gains you're on the right track. That was about two cents
I think.

Good lifting
Don

[Paul LaDuke]

Thanks for the replies.  Your input is greatly appreciated :D

I have begun working more on overhead squats and drop snatches as I think part of my problem is core weakness and lack of flexibility in the deep part of the catch.  I seem to be improving so I guess there is no need to retrain.