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Snatch (weightlifting)
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The snatch is the first of two lifts contested in the sport of weightlifting (also known as Olympic weightlifting) followed by the clean and jerk. The objective of the snatch is to lift the barbell from the ground to overhead in one continuous motion. There are four main styles of snatch used: snatch (full snatch or squat snatch), split snatch, power snatch, and muscle snatch. The full lift is the most common style used in competition, while power snatches and muscle snatches are mostly used for training purposes, and split snatches are now rarely used. Any of these lifts can be performed from the floor, from the hang position, or from blocks. In competition, only lifts from the floor are allowed.
Types
[edit]Full snatch
[edit]The snatch is now commonly used to mean a full snatch, also called a squat snatch.[1] Before WWII, the squat style was performed mainly by German lifters, while the rest of the world preferred the split snatch because the squat style required great precision and balance and was also considered precarious. It has, however, the advantage of allowing the lifter to catch the weight at a lower position, therefore potentially lift heavier weights. Larry Barnholth with his brother Lewis developed a more stable and reliable form of squat snatch after observing the German squat style in the late 1930s.[2] It has since become the most common form of the snatch.
In full snatch, the lifter lifts the bar as high as possible and pulls themselves under it in a squat position, receiving the bar overhead with the arms straight, decreasing the necessary height of the bar, therefore increasing the amount of weight that the lifter may successfully lift. The lifter finally straightens to a fully upright position with the bar above their head and arms fully extended.
Split snatch
[edit]
Split snatch was the common form of snatch before squat snatch was popularized by lifters such as Pete George and Dave Sheppard.[3][4] In the split snatch, the lifter lifts the bar as high as possible and pulls themselves under the bar similar to the squat snatch but in the split snatch the lifter "splits" their legs, placing one foot in front of them and one behind, allowing themselves to receive the bar in a low position. The split snatch is now uncommon but is still occasionally performed by some lifters. Most lifters prefer the squat style over the split because the bar needed to be pulled higher and longer in the split style, and they can go lower in the squat.[3]
Power snatch
[edit]In the power snatch, the lifter lifts the barbell as high as possible and receives the bar overhead with only a slight bend in the knee and hip, increasing the height that the bar must be lifted and decreasing the amount of weight that may be successfully lifted. It is the most basic version of the snatch, and simpler for beginners and those with limited mobility to learn, but may also be used by advanced lifters to train for specific purposes such as explosiveness in the pull.[5]
Muscle snatch
[edit]In the muscle snatch, the lifter lifts the bar all the way overhead with arms locked out and the hip and knee fully extended.[6]
Technique
[edit]
While the snatch is commonly referred to in three phases, Arthur Drechsler identifies six distinct phases of the pull in the snatch.
First phase
[edit]The lifter begins the first phase of the pull or "Pre-lift off", with the feet placed approximately hip width apart, toes turned out slightly with the bar above the midfoot. The shins will be inclined toward the bar so that the shin is touching or close to the bar. Hips are placed so that the top of the thigh is approximately parallel to the ground but may also be slightly higher or lower depending on the lifter.[7] The lifter’s back should be straight, no excessive curvature or rounding in the lumbar spine, with slight extension of the thoracic spine and shoulders slightly pulled back.[7] The shoulders should be positioned so that they are directly over or slightly forward of the bar.[7] The bar is gripped with a very wide grip. The neck should be positioned in line with the torso or slightly more vertical. During the first pull, the lifter begins to exert force on the bar, separating the weight from the platform.[7]
Second phase
[edit]The second phase of the pull, or "preliminary acceleration" begins with the weight separated from the floor. In the second phase, the lifter begins by extending the knee and moving the hip upward while maintaining a constant back angle relative to the floor.[7] During this phase, the lifter pulls the bar closer to their body and the center of gravity of the lifter shifts toward the heel.[7] During this phase, the lifter begins to accelerate the bar and towards the end of the phase, the torso begins to assume a more vertical position.
Third phase
[edit]During the third phase, or "adjustment phase", the lifter begins to position their body appropriately for the final explosive pull. The knees typically perform a "double knee bend", where the knee bends from the previous extension of the knee during the second phase, and the torso continues to become more vertical.[7] During this phase, the lifter doesn't apply as great a force on the bar as in the previous phases.[7]
Fourth phase
[edit]During the fourth phase of the pull, or "final acceleration" the lifter performs the final acceleration on the bar. This is executed by explosively extending the hip, knee, and ankles (or plantar-flexing). This is followed by an upward elevation of the shoulders (the "shrug"),[7] and simultaneously lifting the heels or the whole foot off the ground. The lifter’s torso will usually lean slightly backwards during this phase, and the bar is accelerated upward with a slightly arced trajectory.[7]
Fifth phase
[edit]The fifth phase of the pull, or "unsupported squat phase", occurs when the lifter has fully extended their knees, hips, and ankle. The lifter bends their arms at the elbow, pulling themselves under the bar. Simultaneously they move their feet slightly apart into the squat position and begins to move downward into the squat position.[7]
Sixth phase
[edit]The sixth phase, or supported squat under, occurs when the lifters feet have landed flatfooted on the platform and the lifter pulls themselves into a squat position. The lifter then receives the bar overhead with the arms completely straight. From this position, the lifter recovers by squatting the weight to a fully erect position while maintaining the bar position overhead.[7]
Application to other sports
[edit]The snatch is also commonly used as a tool for training athletes in a variety of sports especially with athletes in sports where powerful full body movement is required such as throwing, sprinting, running, and jumping. The triple-extension in the snatch (simultaneous extension of the knee and hip, and plantar flexion at the ankle) mimics the movements previously mentioned while requiring the athlete to produce large amounts of power at high velocities. The snatch has an average velocity of 1.52–1.67 m/s.[8] This makes it a quality lift for training speed-strength in which the athlete aims to move a light weight (25–40% 1RM) at its fastest velocity (1.1–1.65 m/s)[8]
Variations
[edit]
- One-handed: The snatch can be performed with one hand. A dumbbell or kettlebell is most commonly used although a barbell can also be used. As a unilateral movement, the one-handed snatch can help to counteract asymmetrical muscle development that can occur when only bilateral movements are performed i.e. in a bilateral movement a stronger limb may perform an excessively large amount of the overall work, and the weaker limb an excessively small amount. By performing one-handed snatches alternately, each arm is performing the same amount of work and any excessive strength imbalance may be avoided or evened out in this manner.[9]
World records
[edit]These are the official records in the new weight classes:[10]
Men
[edit]| Weight class | Name | Lift |
|---|---|---|
| 55 kg | World standard | 135 kg (298 lb) |
| 61 kg | Li Fabin | 146 kg (322 lb) |
| 67 kg | Huang Minhao | 155 kg (342 lb) |
| 73 kg | Shi Zhiyong | 169 kg (373 lb) |
| 81 kg | Li Dayin | 175 kg (386 lb) |
| 89 kg | Karlos Nasar | 188 kg (414 lb) |
| 96 kg | Lesman Paredes | 187 kg (412 lb) |
| 102 kg | World standard | 191 kg (421 lb) |
| 109 kg | Yang Zhe | 200 kg (440 lb) |
| 109+ kg | Lasha Talakhadze | 225 kg (496 lb) |
Women
[edit]| Weight class | Name | Lift |
|---|---|---|
| 45 kg | Won Hyon Sim | 87 kg (192 lb) |
| 49 kg | Hou Zhihui | 97 kg (214 lb) |
| 55 kg | Kang Hyon Gyong | 104 kg (229 lb) |
| 59 kg | Kim Il-gyong | 111 kg (245 lb) |
| 64 kg | Deng Wei | 117 kg (258 lb) |
| 71 kg | Angie Palacios | 121 kg (267 lb) |
| 76 kg | Rim Jong-sim | 124 kg (273 lb) |
| 81 kg | World standard | 127 kg (280 lb) |
| 87 kg | World standard | 132 kg (291 lb) |
| 87+ kg | Li Wenwen | 148 kg (326 lb) |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Dewar, Mike (July 31, 2023). "Squat Snatch – Technique, Muscles Worked, and Differences Between Power Variety". Barbend.
- ^ Barnholth, Lawrence; George, Peter T. (2018). Secrets of the Squat Snatch. Gatekeeper Press. ISBN 9781619846869.
- ^ a b Starr, Bill (July 4, 2011). "The Split Snatch". Starting Strength.
- ^ Gallagher, Marty (October 11, 2012). "Pete George: The greatest American Olympic Weightlifting prodigy of all time". Starting Strength.
- ^ "Power Snatch". Catalyst Athletics.
- ^ Starr, Bill (January 2010). "Learning How to Do Full Snatches" (PDF). CrossFit Journal: 1. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Drechsler, Arthur (1998). The Weightlifting Encyclopedia: A Guide to World Class Performance. Flushing, NY: A is A Communication. pp. 23–28. ISBN 0965917924.
- ^ a b Ajhan, T; Lazar, Baroga (1988). Weightlifting: Fitness For all Sports. Budapest, Hungary: Budapest International Weightlifting Federation. ISBN 9632538072.
- ^ National Strength and Conditioning Association (2016). Exercise Technique Manual for Resistance Training (3rd ed.). Champaign: Human Kinetics. pp. XV, 12–14. ISBN 978-1-4925-0692-8.
- ^ "World Records (new bw)". International Weightlifting Federation.
Snatch (weightlifting)
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Definition and Fundamentals
The snatch is a fundamental lift in Olympic weightlifting, defined as a controlled, balanced movement in which the barbell is raised from the floor to an overhead position in a single continuous motion, with the lifter gripping the bar palms downward using a wide grip and achieving full extension of the elbows and legs upon completion.[1][6] The barbell begins horizontally in front of the lifter's legs on the platform, and no part of the body other than the feet may touch the ground during the execution, ensuring the lift's integrity.[7] In its fundamentals, the snatch demands exceptional speed, explosive power, and coordination, engaging nearly all major muscle groups including the legs, back, shoulders, arms, core, and grip, rather than relying solely on brute strength.[3] The lift concludes with the bar locked overhead at full arm's length, the lifter recovering to a standing position with feet aligned in the same line as the start—typically shoulder-width apart for stability—and knees and hips fully extended.[7] This emphasis on fluidity and technique distinguishes the snatch as a test of athletic precision over raw force.[6] The primary objective of the snatch is to successfully lift the heaviest possible weight while maintaining control and adhering to technical rules, with athletes allotted three attempts per competition to achieve a valid lift that contributes to their overall score.[8] A successful snatch is validated by referees if the bar is received overhead without excessive imbalance or support, and the lifter demonstrates stability before the down signal.[7] Essential equipment includes the standard Olympic barbell—20 kg for men with a 28 mm shaft diameter and 2.20 m length, or 15 kg for women with a 25 mm shaft and 2.01 m length—paired with calibrated bumper plates coated in rubber to absorb the impact of drops, ensuring safety and consistency.[9] These components are used on a 4 m by 4 m non-slip competition platform, typically made of wood or composite material elevated no more than 150 mm, which provides a stable surface for all lifts.[9]Role in Olympic Weightlifting
In Olympic weightlifting competitions, the snatch serves as the first of two core lifts, preceding the clean and jerk, with the athlete's total score calculated as the sum of their best valid snatch and best valid clean and jerk performances.[10][2] This structure emphasizes the snatch's foundational role in determining overall rankings, as competitions are organized by bodyweight categories that separate men and women, such as 60 kg, 71 kg, and 88 kg for men, and 48 kg, 58 kg, and 69 kg for women (as of November 2025), with all athletes in a category completing their snatch attempts before transitioning to the clean and jerk.[10][11][2] The competition format allocates three attempts per lift to each athlete, who declares their intended weights in ascending order, starting with the lightest across the field and progressing to heavier loads; only the highest successful snatch counts toward the score, provided it adheres to technical standards.[10][12] Judging occurs via a three-referee panel using white lights for valid lifts and red for failures, with a lift deemed successful if the barbell is received overhead in a single continuous motion with full arm extension, the athlete demonstrates control (feet parallel and stationary), and the bar remains motionless until the head referee's downward signal, after which the athlete may lower it.[13] Common faults include premature dropping of the bar, imbalance causing a foot to leave the platform, or any press-out beyond the initial reception, resulting in no weight credited for that attempt.[2][12] The snatch's significance lies in its demand for explosive power, speed, and coordination to accelerate the bar from the ground to overhead in one motion, often testing an athlete's maximum capabilities early in the event.[10] Typically, it accounts for 40-50% of an elite lifter's total score, with analyses of international competitors showing snatch weights around 82% of clean and jerk performances for men and 80% for women, underscoring its balanced yet critical contribution to victory.[14]History
Origins and Early Development
The origins of the snatch trace back to ancient civilizations in Egypt and Greece, where feats of strength involving overhead lifts of heavy stones and halteres served as displays of physical prowess dating to around 2000 BCE.[4][15] In these societies, such exercises were integral to military training and athletic competitions, with artistic depictions on tombs and vases illustrating athletes explosively raising weights overhead to demonstrate power and endurance.[16] In ancient Greece, halteres—handheld stone or lead implements weighing 2 to 9 kilograms—were used not only for long jumps but also for standalone strength routines that involved swinging and lifting them to arm's length above the head, foreshadowing the dynamic pull of the modern snatch.[17] Egyptian records similarly show laborers and strongmen hoisting sand-filled sacks or boulders in rapid motions, practices that built functional strength for construction and warfare, though without the codified form of later lifts.[16] By the mid-19th century, the snatch began to formalize in Europe as part of the physical culture movement, emerging within gymnastics clubs and strongman exhibitions in France and Germany during the 1850s.[18] Early performers utilized kettlebells or early barbells for one- or two-handed snatches, prioritizing explosive speed and height over precision.[19] Pioneers such as Eugen Sandow, active in the late 1800s, elevated the snatch's popularity through circus performances across Europe and the United States, where he demonstrated kettlebell snatches and dynamic overhead pulls as crowd-pleasing feats blending strength and agility.[20][21] These displays lacked uniform weights or judging criteria, emphasizing theatrical one-arm snatches for entertainment rather than sport.[19]Evolution in the 20th and 21st Centuries
The snatch lift made its Olympic debut as part of weightlifting events at the 1896 Athens Games, where competitors performed one- and two-handed variations without formal weight classes, with medals awarded despite the lack of standardization.[2] By the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, the snatch achieved full inclusion in the program alongside other lifts, with the introduction of five weight classes ranging from featherweight (under 60 kg) to heavyweight (over 82.5 kg), marking a shift toward structured competition.[2] During this early period, the split-style snatch dominated, as athletes received in one foot forward and the other back during the catch, a technique that remained standard for decades due to its stability for heavier loads.[22] In the mid-20th century, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) refined the sport's format, with the snatch evolving alongside broader rule changes. The 1972 Munich Olympics saw the elimination of the clean and press due to inconsistent judging of overhead lockouts, reducing the competition to just the snatch and clean and jerk, which heightened the emphasis on explosive speed and technique in the snatch to maximize total lifts.[23] Weight classes expanded to 10 for men by the 1980s but were consolidated to 8 Olympic categories in the late 1990s (effective for the 2000 Games), such as 56 kg to +105 kg, to streamline events and align with gender parity efforts.[24] Record progressions accelerated from the 1950s to 1980s, driven by Eastern Bloc training innovations; Soviet programs emphasized high-volume pulls and technique drills, while Bulgaria's method in the 1970s-1980s focused on frequent maximal attempts, propelling snatch world records from around 140 kg in the early 1950s to over 200 kg by the 1980s in heavier classes.[25] The 21st century brought further standardization and reforms to the snatch within Olympic weightlifting, particularly amid doping challenges. Women's events, including the snatch, debuted at the 2000 Sydney Olympics with seven weight classes, enabling female athletes to compete officially for the first time and expanding the sport's inclusivity.[2] Following widespread doping revelations from retests of 2008 Beijing Olympic samples—which led to over 50 disqualifications and medal redistributions—the IWF intensified anti-doping measures, adopting the Athlete Biological Passport in collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency around 2009 to monitor blood parameters and detect manipulations more effectively.[26] In 2018, the IWF overhauled weight classes to 10 per gender, with men's categories set at 55 kg, 61 kg, 67 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg, 89 kg, 96 kg, 102 kg, 109 kg, and +109 kg, nullifying prior world records to reset benchmarks amid ongoing clean sport initiatives.[27] Effective June 1, 2025, the IWF further restructured to 8 categories per gender—men: 60 kg, 65 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg, 110 kg, and +110 kg; women: 48 kg, 53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 77 kg, 86 kg, and +86 kg—establishing new world standards as minimum benchmarks for records to promote fairness and align with International Olympic Committee standards for events like the 2028 Los Angeles Games.[11][28][29] These changes sustain the snatch's role as a foundational explosive lift.Types
Full Snatch
The full snatch is the primary variation of the snatch lift contested in Olympic weightlifting, requiring the athlete to raise the barbell from the platform to full overhead extension in one continuous motion while receiving the bar in a deep squat position with thighs parallel to the floor or below. This full range of motion allows the lifter to drop under the bar more deeply during the catch, facilitating control of heavier loads compared to variations with higher receptions. The lift begins with the barbell centered horizontally on the platform, the athlete positioned behind it facing the referees, and proceeds without pausing or downward movement of the bar once initiated.[30][31] In execution, the athlete employs a wide grip with palms facing downward, positioned evenly outside the snatch rings on the competition barbell—typically spanning about 130 cm for men's bars and 120 cm for women's to accommodate shoulder width and pulling mechanics—and may use a hook grip where the thumb is wrapped under the fingers for enhanced security on the wide hold. The bar travels upward close to the body, often sliding along the legs, culminating in the catch where the feet may be in a split or squat stance, but the full squat reception demands greater ankle and hip mobility for stability. Upon securing the overhead lockout with arms fully extended and feet aligned parallel to the bar, the athlete recovers by standing to erect with the bar under control before the referees' signal to lower it.[30][32][33] Distinct from power variations, the full snatch mandates this deep squat catch to achieve validity, enabling superior load capacity through reduced vertical pull distance and enhanced mechanical leverage from the lower body positioning, which distributes force across the kinetic chain for maximal power output. This form has been the Olympic standard since the mid-20th century. Competitions were streamlined to the snatch and clean & jerk following the elimination of the clean and press after the 1972 Olympics.[34][23]Power Snatch
The power snatch is a variation of the Olympic snatch lift in which the athlete receives the barbell overhead in a partial squat position, typically a quarter- or half-squat with the hips at or above parallel to the ground, rather than dropping into a full squat. This requires the lifter to pull the bar higher during the extension phase to meet it at a shallower depth, emphasizing explosive speed and power over maximal load capacity. The movement begins from the floor and follows a similar bar path to the full snatch but demands faster acceleration to compensate for the reduced contribution from the lower body squat during the catch.[35] The grip and starting setup for the power snatch mirror those of the full snatch: a wide, overhand snatch grip, with hands positioned approximately 120-140 cm apart (individualized based on anthropometry) to allow for the bar's rotation, feet placed hip- to shoulder-width apart under the bar with toes pointed slightly out, and the bar positioned close to the shins over the mid-foot. The lifter assumes a hinged position with knees bent, hips back, chest lifted, and shoulders slightly ahead of the bar to maintain a neutral spine. A key distinction in execution is the intensified focus on explosive hip extension during the second pull, where the hips, knees, and ankles extend rapidly and simultaneously as the bar reaches the hip crease, generating maximal velocity to propel the bar overhead.[35] This lift offers significant training benefits by developing pulling strength, explosive speed, and overall power output, particularly in the posterior chain and fast-twitch muscle fibers, while also enhancing coordination and core stability. It serves as an effective accessory exercise for Olympic weightlifters to refine technique under lighter loads and build the forceful second pull without the complexity of a deep squat. In CrossFit and functional fitness programming, the power snatch is frequently incorporated for its metabolic conditioning effects and full-body demands, allowing athletes to handle moderate weights at high repetitions to improve work capacity and athleticism.[35][36][37] Load capacity for the power snatch is typically 70-80% of an athlete's full snatch maximum, reflecting the trade-off between the higher pull requirement and limited squat depth, though individual ratios can vary based on pulling strength and mobility.[38]Muscle Snatch
The muscle snatch is a variation of the snatch exercise in Olympic weightlifting that emphasizes upper-body pulling strength to elevate the barbell overhead, with minimal contribution from leg drive after the initial pull. Unlike the full snatch, it involves pulling the bar in a manner similar to an upright row, transitioning into an overhead press without dropping into a squat position. This movement is often performed from the hang position, starting with the bar at mid-thigh or knee level, to isolate the upper body mechanics.[39][40] In terms of technique, the lifter begins with a standard snatch grip and setup, executing the first pull with the legs to initiate bar acceleration. Following this, the second pull generates upward momentum, after which the arms actively pull the bar higher by shrugging the traps and elevating the elbows, causing the bar to travel slightly away from the body rather than remaining close. The turnover phase involves rotating the elbows forward and upward to press the bar directly overhead into a locked-out position, maintaining an erect posture without any re-bend of the hips or knees. This strict execution reinforces proper bar path and elbow positioning, avoiding common errors like excessive arm dominance early in the pull.[41][40][39] The primary purpose of the muscle snatch is to enhance shoulder mobility, upper-body strength, and the speed of bar turnover during the snatch, particularly in the third pull phase where the athlete rotates under the bar. By relying more on arm and shoulder muscles, it helps develop the active engagement needed for efficient bar acceleration and positioning overhead, making it ideal for refining technique without the complexity of full-body explosiveness. Lighter loads, typically 40-60% of an athlete's best full snatch, allow for high-repetition sets that prioritize form and speed over maximal weight, reducing the risk of reinforcing poor habits seen in heavier lifts.[39][42][41] As an accessory exercise, the muscle snatch is commonly incorporated into warm-ups or supplemental training sessions to build foundational pulling mechanics and prepare the shoulders for more demanding snatch variations. It is not performed in competitive weightlifting but serves as a skill-development tool, particularly for athletes struggling with bar proximity or elbow turnover, and can be programmed in circuits or as a priming movement before power snatches. Top weightlifters often use it to maintain technical proficiency during lighter training days, ensuring consistent upper-body activation without fatigue accumulation.[42][40][39]Split Snatch
The split snatch is a variation of the snatch lift in Olympic weightlifting in which the lifter receives the barbell overhead while positioning the feet in a split stance, with one foot advanced forward and the other extended backward, akin to the foot placement in a split jerk. This catch position allows for a quicker reception of the bar by minimizing the need for a deep squat, as the split absorbs the downward momentum through the lunge-like stance. The grip and initial pull phases are identical to those of the full snatch, employing a wide hook grip with the bar path kept close to the body, followed by an explosive extension of the hips and legs to elevate the bar.[43][44][45] Historically, the split snatch was the predominant style of the lift before the mid-20th century, with squat-style catches gaining favor in the 1940s through innovations like those introduced by lifter Pete George, leading to its decline in elite competition by the 1970s as the squat snatch enabled heavier loads and greater stability. One key advantage of the split snatch is its facilitation of faster footwork and setup, which can enhance timing and coordination for lifters who prioritize athleticism over maximal weight, though it demands a higher bar pull height and offers less fore-aft stability compared to the squat reception, potentially limiting overall load capacity.[43][45] In modern weightlifting, the split snatch is rarely seen in Olympic competitions, where the squat variation dominates due to its biomechanical efficiency, but it remains a valuable training tool for developing balance, foot speed, and unilateral leg strength, particularly for athletes with mobility limitations or those transitioning from other sports. It is occasionally incorporated into strength and conditioning programs to build foundational coordination without the full depth required in squat catches.[43][45][44]Technique
First Pull and Setup
The setup for the snatch positions the barbell directly over the mid-foot, with the shins nearly touching the bar to minimize the horizontal distance and optimize the initial force vector. The hips are set higher than the knees, establishing a torso angle of approximately 45 degrees, while the shoulders align over or slightly in front of the bar to maintain balance across the entire foot and allow for effective leg drive. This configuration, which varies slightly based on an athlete's limb proportions, ensures the lifter can generate force primarily through the lower body without compromising stability.[46][47] In the first pull, the barbell is lifted slowly and controllably from the floor to just above knee height, engaging the quadriceps, hamstrings, and erector spinae to extend the knees and hips while keeping the bar path close to the legs. The maximum bar velocity during this phase is approximately 0.95-0.98 m/s, emphasizing precision over speed to preserve positioning. At the knee level, the bar reaches a height of about 0.5-0.6 meters for elite male lifters, marking the transition point where initial acceleration is established.[48][49][47] The primary purpose of the first pull is to build controlled momentum and set an efficient bar trajectory, avoiding premature hip elevation that could deviate the path outward and reduce power transfer in subsequent phases. This deliberate acceleration fosters a vertical bar path, which biomechanical analyses link to higher success rates in completing the lift by optimizing joint angles and minimizing energy loss.[46][48]Second Pull and Extension
The second pull in the snatch is the explosive phase that begins as the barbell passes the knees and ends with full lower body extension, generating maximum power through rapid hip and knee extension, a shoulder shrug, and high pulling of the barbell. This movement achieves triple extension of the ankles, knees, and hips, propelling the bar to speeds of approximately 1.8–2.0 m/s at peak velocity.[49][50] The lifter maintains the bar close to the body throughout, with peak power output occurring as the bar reaches hip height, typically resulting in relative power values around 17–18 W/kg in elite adolescent males.[49][51] Body positioning during this phase emphasizes keeping the elbows high and rotated outward to optimize the bar path and prepare for the turnover, while the torso remains relatively upright to avoid excessive forward lean. The duration of the second pull is approximately 0.3 seconds in elite female weightlifters, allowing for maximal velocity development before the aerial phase.[48][52] Common faults in the second pull, such as insufficient hip and knee extension leading to lower joint angles, result in reduced bar and center-of-gravity velocities, compromising lift efficiency and success rates. Overpulling, often manifesting as inadequate backward bar displacement, can cause the bar to drift forward, further disrupting the trajectory. Early arm bending, by contrast, prematurely engages the upper body and diminishes the leg-driven power transfer.[48][50]Transition and Catch
The transition phase follows the explosive second pull, during which the barbell enters a brief free-flight period propelled by the athlete's full-body extension, allowing a momentary "float" at peak velocity. To receive the bar, the athlete must quickly redirect the body's momentum downward by aggressively flexing the knees and hips—often described as pulling the body under the bar—while maintaining trunk uprightness to execute a rapid squat or split foot position. This repositioning exploits the elastic energy and stretch-shortening cycle from the prior extension, enabling the athlete to drop into position just as the bar reaches its apex.[53] In the catch, the barbell is received overhead in a stable squat or split stance, with the arms fully extended vertically and the bar aligned directly above the lifter's midline, typically positioned over the ears for optimal balance and to minimize shoulder torque. For the full snatch, the hips must descend below bar height, attaining a squat depth where the tops of the thighs reach at least parallel to the platform (or below for deeper reception in elite technique), ensuring the lifter's center of mass aligns beneath the load to support maximal weights. The elbows lock with external rotation, pressing the bar into a secure overhead hold without forward lean, as mandated by competition standards requiring motionless fixation before recovery.[54][55] Elite athletes complete the full snatch in approximately 1.0 to 1.3 seconds from floor to catch, with the transition and drop-under phases lasting 0.15 to 0.20 seconds to synchronize with the bar's parabolic trajectory. The maximum bar height during the lift typically reaches 1.1 to 1.3 meters for top competitors, varying with anthropometrics such as standing height (averaging 1.7 to 1.9 meters) and arm length, allowing highly skilled lifters to catch at relatively lower peak heights compared to novices by accelerating their descent.[56][57][58]Recovery and Overhead Stabilization
In the recovery phase of the snatch, the lifter drives upward from the squat or split receiving position primarily using the legs to extend the hips and knees, while actively pushing against the bar to maintain a vertical bar path close to the body. This upward drive ensures the bar remains secure overhead without forward displacement, and if balance is compromised, a slight dip or controlled pause in the squat may be employed to recenter the body before completing the stand.[59] Once standing, overhead stabilization requires fully locked elbows with the shoulders protracted and depressed, a neutral head position aligned with the spine, and feet positioned together or in a narrow stance for a stable base. The lifter must hold this position motionless, demonstrating full control of the bar overhead, until the center referee issues the audible and visible "down" signal.[59][7] In competition, this hold continues until the referee confirms stability, typically requiring 2-3 seconds of motionless control to verify the lift's completion, after which the bar is lowered to the platform. Success in recovery and stabilization is indicated by the absence of forward torso lean, with the bar vertically aligned and centered over the lifter's base of support, ensuring no loss of balance or bar drift.[60][7]Biomechanics and Physiology
Key Muscles and Joint Actions
The snatch lift engages a complex interplay of muscles and joints across the body, primarily relying on explosive lower body power for the initial pull and extension, posterior chain stability throughout, and upper body strength for the overhead catch and lockout.[49] In the lower body, the quadriceps (particularly the vastus lateralis) activate significantly during the first and second pull phases to drive knee extension, with peak electromyographic (EMG) activity reaching around 500 μV in these segments.[61] The gluteus maximus contributes to hip extension, showing consistent activation comparable to pull variations at intensities up to 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), while the hamstrings assist in stabilizing and extending the hips and knees during the explosive second pull.[62] The gastrocnemius and soleus (calves) facilitate ankle plantar flexion, generating substantial joint moments that contribute up to 10% of the barbell's maximum vertical velocity, particularly in the second pull where ankle angular velocity peaks at approximately 219°·s⁻¹.[63][49] Joint actions in the lower extremities emphasize triple extension for propulsion: the hips extend rapidly (maximum angular velocity of 416°·s⁻¹ in the second pull), followed closely by knee extension (291°·s⁻¹) and ankle plantar flexion, creating the upward bar trajectory during the pull phases.[49] The posterior chain provides foundational stability; the erector spinae exhibits elevated EMG activity (up to 372% of reference at 90% 1RM) during the catch to maintain spinal alignment under load, while the latissimus dorsi shows high activation (peaking at 694 μV in the braking/fixation phase) to control the bar path and support the pull.[62][61] In the upper body, the deltoids (anterior and medial portions) and trapezius (upper fibers) drive the shrug and initial overhead positioning, with mean EMG amplitudes highest during the final stabilization phase. The triceps brachii facilitate elbow extension for lockout, displaying peak activation in the overhead catch to secure the bar. Shoulder joint actions involve flexion and abduction during the transition to the catch, positioning the bar overhead while the elbows fully extend to stabilize against the load.[64] The snatch's explosiveness predominantly utilizes the ATP-PC (adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine) energy system, which supplies immediate anaerobic power for the short-duration, high-intensity effort lasting under 10 seconds.[65]Force Dynamics and Bar Path
In the snatch, the bar path follows an optimal trajectory that is relatively straight or slightly curved backward toward the lifter's body to maximize mechanical efficiency and minimize energy loss. This path keeps the barbell close to the lifter's vertical line of action, with horizontal displacement typically limited to less than 20 cm across phases, such as 5-13 cm during the first pull and descent. For instance, elite male lifters exhibit forward displacements of about 5.32 cm in the first pull and backward shifts of up to 13.38 cm in later phases, ensuring the bar remains proximal to the body for effective force transfer.[66] Force production in the snatch is characterized by distinct acceleration phases, with the first pull involving controlled tension to position the bar, and the second pull generating explosive propulsion. Peak vertical ground reaction forces occur during the second pull, reaching approximately 3-4 times body weight—around 3026 N for an 80 kg male lifter or 1846 N for a 60 kg female—to rapidly elevate the barbell against gravity. These forces drive the acceleration, with mean values of 1982 N in males and 1340 N in females, highlighting the explosive nature required for maximal loads.[66] The barbell's velocity profile reflects these dynamics: a deliberate slow first pull averaging 0.5-0.8 m/s to build momentum without premature acceleration, followed by an explosive second pull peaking at 2.0-2.1 m/s to impart maximum upward velocity. Deceleration then occurs in the transition and catch phases as the lifter drops under the bar, with overall mean velocities around 0.87-0.90 m/s and peaks up to 2.15 m/s in elite performers. This profile ensures the bar reaches sufficient height (approximately 88 cm maximum) for the overhead catch while conserving energy.[66][48] Biomechanical models, such as those using inverse dynamics, quantify joint torques and power output to optimize snatch performance, revealing elite athletes achieve 50-70 W/kg during the second pull—equivalent to 2000-4000 W absolute power for typical body masses. These models incorporate force-velocity relationships, where optimal profiles shift toward force-dominant characteristics at higher power levels (e.g., P_max > 3000 W), enhancing lift thresholds by up to 20 kg per 500 W increment. Such analyses underscore the interplay of velocity thresholds (1.7-2.0 m/s) and acceleration heights (~0.8 m) in elite execution.[67]Training and Programming
Progression Methods and Drills
Progression methods for the snatch emphasize structured programming to build technical proficiency, strength, and power while minimizing injury risk. Linear periodization, originally developed for Olympic weightlifters, organizes training into phases that progressively increase intensity over 4-6 weeks, culminating in efforts near 90% of an athlete's one-rep maximum (1RM), followed by a deload or peaking phase.[68] This approach typically involves 3-5 sets of 2-3 repetitions per session for snatch variations, allowing for frequent practice of the full lift or derivatives while accumulating sufficient volume to drive adaptations without excessive fatigue.[69] Key drills target specific phases of the snatch, such as the pull and catch, to reinforce mechanics and address weaknesses. Snatch pulls, performed without the catch, focus on the extension and triple extension of the hips, knees, and ankles, using loads of 90-105% of the lifter's best snatch to overload the pulling muscles while improving speed and posture.[70] Drop snatches, a variation of the snatch balance, start with the bar overhead and emphasize rapid foot positioning and bar proximity during the catch, enhancing overhead stability and confidence under load.[70] Hang snatches, initiated from a mid-thigh or knee position, isolate the second pull and turnover, promoting better acceleration and positional awareness by limiting the initial pull distance.[70] To advance snatch performance, training begins at approximately 60% of 1RM for technique-focused sessions, with weekly increments of 2.5-5 kg as form solidifies and strength improves, ensuring consistent overload without compromising technique.[71] Incorporating complexes, such as a full snatch followed immediately by an overhead squat, builds endurance in the receiving position and reinforces the connection between pull and stabilization, often performed at 70-80% of 1RM for 2-3 sets.[69] Athletes track progress using metrics like the snatch-to-bodyweight ratio, where elite male weightlifters typically achieve approximately 1.8-2.5 times their bodyweight (as of 2025), varying by weight class—for instance, ~2.4 in lighter categories like 61 kg and 1.5-2.0 in heavier ones like +109 kg—while elite females achieve 1.5-2.2 times, with higher ratios in lighter classes; these serve as benchmarks for relative power development.[72][5]Common Errors and Injury Prevention
One common technical error in the snatch is initiating the pull with the arms too early, which bypasses the powerful leg drive and reduces overall lifting efficiency by shifting emphasis to less potent upper-body muscles. [73] Another frequent fault involves a wide or deviated bar path, often caused by excessive forward lean or hip thrust, leading to imbalance and loss of momentum as the barbell swings outward rather than traveling vertically close to the body. [74] Incomplete lockout in the overhead position, where the elbows fail to fully extend or the shoulders collapse, commonly results in failed lifts and increased vulnerability to shoulder stress due to instability. [75] These errors contribute to elevated injury risks, particularly shoulder impingement from repetitive overhead loading in faulty positions and lower back strain from improper spinal alignment during the pull phases. [76] [77] In Olympic weightlifting, the shoulder accounts for approximately 35% of injuries, while the lower back represents about 24%, with overall injury incidence ranging from 2.4 to 3.3 per 1,000 training hours; overuse mechanisms underlie 36-47% of cases across strength sports. [78] [79] [80] [81] [82] To mitigate these risks, lifters should incorporate dynamic warm-ups emphasizing mobility, such as shoulder dislocates with a band to enhance overhead range without strain, followed by progressive loading that starts at 60-70% of maximum to build technique under controlled stress. [83] [84] Regular coach feedback during sessions helps identify and correct form deviations in real-time, reducing error accumulation. [85] For remediation, video analysis allows objective review of bar path and positioning, while lighter variations like muscle snatches—performed without a full catch—reinforce proper pulling mechanics and arm relaxation. [86] [87]Competition Aspects
Rules and Judging Criteria
In the snatch, the lifter has one minute from the referee's announcement of their name and weight to begin the lift, during which the barbell must be lifted from the platform to full extension overhead in a single motion, with the bar remaining close to the body and only the feet touching the platform.[54] The final position requires the barbell to be motionless with fully extended arms and legs, feet aligned parallel to the trunk and barbell, before the center referee issues the "down" command to lower the bar.[54] A successful lift is validated if at least two of the three referees signal white lights, indicating compliance with all technical requirements, while three red lights result in a failed attempt.[54] Common faults leading to a no-lift include any pausing during the pull, the bar not being fully overhead at the catch, uneven or incomplete arm extension, foot movement out of parallel alignment, or dropping the bar before the referee's signal.[54] Imbalance causing the lifter to re-bend the arms, knees, or hips after achieving lockout is also disqualified, as the 2025 rules emphasize maintaining a fixed overhead position without such adjustments to ensure the lift's integrity.[54] Referees use a light system (white for valid, red for invalid) and may review decisions via Video Playback Technology if disputed, with the majority ruling prevailing.[54] Under 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) regulations, doping tests are conducted post-lift as part of in-competition anti-doping protocols to maintain fairness, with samples collected immediately after successful attempts in major events.[88] These procedures align with the snatch's role in Olympic-style competitions, where precise judging upholds the recovery hold's stability.[54]World Records
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), established in 1905, maintains official world records for the snatch lift, with systematic tracking originating from the federation's early organization of international competitions in the early 20th century. These records are ratified and updated exclusively at major IWF-sanctioned events, such as World Championships and Olympic Games, to capture verified peak performances; as of November 2025, they encompass senior categories across all bodyweight classes for both men and women.[89][90] Progression in snatch records illustrates the sport's evolution, with men's lifts demonstrating consistent gains over decades—for instance, in the +110 kg category, records advanced from around 193 kg in the 1980s to world standards exceeding 210 kg in 2025, reflecting improvements in biomechanical efficiency, nutrition, and periodized training. Women's records have shown particularly rapid advancement since the discipline's Olympic debut in 2000, as increased participation and specialized programming led to substantial increases across classes, often doubling early benchmarks in lighter divisions within two decades.[90][2] For a snatch to qualify as a world record, it must constitute a "clean" lift—fully compliant with IWF technical criteria for execution, including proper bar path, recovery, and stabilization—validated by three international referees during competition. Additionally, athletes undergo rigorous anti-doping protocols under the IWF's program, aligned with World Anti-Doping Agency standards; any positive tests or violations result in record nullification to uphold integrity. Separate records exist for junior (ages 17–20) and youth (ages 13–16) categories, fostering age-appropriate progression without competing against senior benchmarks. These records hold profound significance as global indicators of elite capability in the snatch, setting aspirational targets that shape coaching methodologies, talent identification, and international training norms while highlighting the lift's demands on explosive power and technical precision.[89]Men's Records
The men's snatch world records in weightlifting are maintained by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) across various bodyweight categories, reflecting the highest verified lifts achieved under official competition rules. These records highlight the technical prowess required in the snatch, where lifters must pull and catch the barbell overhead in a single motion. As of November 2025, the records span the standard senior men's categories effective June 1, 2025 (60 kg, 65 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 94 kg, 110 kg, +110 kg), with notable dominance by athletes from Asia in lighter classes and increasing contributions from other regions in heavier divisions. Recent competitions, including the 2025 IWF World Championships and Islamic Solidarity Games, have seen updates in several categories, underscoring ongoing advancements in training and technique.[90][91] The following table summarizes the current men's senior snatch world records by weight class, including the lifter, nationality, date, and event where the record was set. These figures represent the progression of peak performance, with heavier classes often producing higher absolute weights due to physiological advantages in leverage and power output. Where no lifts have surpassed the initial world standard (set June 1, 2025), it is noted accordingly.[90][92]| Weight Class | Record (kg) | Lifter | Nationality | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 141 | World Standard | - | June 1, 2025 | IWF World Standard |
| 65 kg | 148 | World Standard | - | June 1, 2025 | IWF World Standard |
| 71 kg | 160 | He Yueji | China | October 2025 | IWF World Championships |
| 79 kg | 166 | Abdelrahman Younes | Egypt | November 10, 2025 | Islamic Solidarity Games, Riyadh |
| 88 kg | 177 | Yeison Lopez | Colombia | October 2025 | IWF World Championships |
| 94 kg | 182 | Alireza Moeini | Iran | October 2025 | IWF World Championships |
| 110 kg | 196 | Akbar Djuraev | Uzbekistan | October 2025 | IWF World Championships |
| +110 kg | 218 | World Standard | - | June 1, 2025 | IWF World Standard |
Women's Records
The women's snatch world records are tracked by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) across its eight bodyweight categories for senior women, which were updated effective June 1, 2025, to 48 kg, 53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 77 kg, 86 kg, and +86 kg. These records reflect the highest verified lifts in each category, with several established or broken at the 2025 IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Førde, Norway (October 2–11, 2025), marking the first major international competition under the new structure. Initial benchmarks, known as world standards, were set by the IWF based on statistical modeling from prior records, but lifters quickly surpassed them in key classes, highlighting ongoing advancements in technique and strength training. North Korean and Chinese athletes have historically dominated, though recent feats show broadening global competition, including standout performances from the United States. The following table summarizes the current women's snatch world records as of November 2025:| Weight Class | Record (kg) | Lifter | Nationality | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 kg | 91 | Ri Song-gum | PRK | October 3, 2025 | 2025 IWF World Championships |
| 53 kg | 94 | Mihaela-Valentina Cambei | ROU | October 3, 2025 | 2025 IWF World Championships |
| 58 kg | 104 | Kim Il-gyong | PRK | October 6, 2025 | 2025 IWF World Championships |
| 63 kg | 111 | Ri Suk | PRK | October 5, 2025 | 2025 IWF World Championships (world record) |
| 69 kg | 120 | Song Kuk-hyang | PRK | October 7, 2025 | 2025 IWF World Championships (world record) |
| 77 kg | 123 | Olivia Reeves | USA | October 8, 2025 | 2025 IWF World Championships (world record) |
| 86 kg | 122 | Yudelina Mejía Peguero | DOM | October 9, 2025 | 2025 IWF World Championships |
| +86 kg | 125 | Park Hye-jeong | KOR | October 10, 2025 | 2025 IWF World Championships |
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