Dylan wanted me to post some more videos of me snatching so he could study my technique. I think there are much better examples at Catalyst Athletics and on You Tube (just search for “Olympic weightlifting”), but I decided to post some of my lifts in the context of practice because it is something that I have wanted to post on for some time.
All of the lifts and exercises we do at MDF have some technical component, or more accurately, neurological challenge. When we practice that lift or exercise, we, hopefully, get a neurological adaptation which makes the lift seem “easier” and our technique better. Conversely, we train with a lift or exercise, we are trying to get an organic adaptation like larger muscles, more flexibility, better cardiovascular fitness, etc. I don’t think there is any argument that both practice and training are required to getter better at any sport or exercise. However, I do think there are differences in opinion about when to practice and how to make the most of the time spent practicing.
This video shows how I practice and warm-up to lift heavy. In a future post, I will detail how I train to the physically prepare to lift heavy over a four week cycle. The video ends with Bryan going back to practice mode during a snatch workout. One thing that you can see throughout the video is Bryan stretching and practicing with a bar to gain flexibility and mobility, as well as, the movement patterns required for the lift which contribute to his success.
Some things I notice, while watching.
I paused and stepped around repeatedly during both the pockets drill and the lifts. I could really see, even at the high weights, how you continued to hit all 3 of the positions of the drill through the lift movement. I assume this is what comes in our training through our practice.
I noted that during the “jump” part of your snatch your feet barely, if at all, leave the ground, until the last rep. Is that just a personal style, or a more effective transfer of energy from the hips to the bar, or the shoes? I know that there is a pronounced “stomp” when I snatch.
I still have problems keeping my back straight, arms straight, chaining the movement fluidly, but from just a few weeks of doing the T/Th technique practice I feel like my snatch (and, without really practicing it much, cleans as well) have gotten a lot better!
Kris, Yes I have been doing the pockets drill for about 2 months now and I am finally starting to get it sort of. It takes a few times to get the hang of it.
Regarding “the stomp,” I don’t know if it required, but I could probably be a little more aggressive and get more stomp. I do know that people can make noise with their feet by donkey kicking (just by extending the knee forcefully) and that is not useful.