Snatch
Overview
The term "snatch" refers to a specific type of weightlifting movement that is commonly used in the sport of Olympic weightlifting. This complex and technical movement involves lifting a barbell from the ground to an overhead position in one swift motion. The snatch is one of the two lifts contested in Olympic weightlifting, the other being the clean and jerk.
History
The snatch, as a weightlifting movement, has a long history that dates back to the early days of the sport. It was first introduced as an official Olympic event in the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Since then, it has remained a staple of Olympic weightlifting competitions, testing the strength, speed, and technical skill of athletes around the world.
Technique
The snatch is a highly technical lift that requires a combination of power, agility, and precision. The movement can be broken down into several phases: the setup, the first pull, the second pull, the catch, and the recovery.
Setup
The setup is the initial position that the lifter assumes before beginning the lift. The lifter stands over the barbell with feet hip-width apart, toes pointing slightly outwards. The barbell should be over the balls of the feet. The lifter grips the bar with a wide grip, arms straight and outside the knees. The back is flat, chest up, and eyes focused straight ahead.
First Pull
The first pull begins when the lifter initiates the lift by driving through the heels to lift the bar off the floor. The lifter maintains a flat back and keeps the bar close to the body. The goal of the first pull is to efficiently transfer power from the legs to the barbell.
Second Pull
The second pull is the explosive phase of the lift. The lifter extends the hips and knees rapidly, creating upward momentum on the bar. The lifter then shrugs the shoulders and pulls the body under the bar.
Catch
The catch phase occurs when the lifter has pulled the body under the bar and catches the bar overhead while dropping into a squat position. The bar should be caught with arms fully extended and locked out. The bar should be positioned directly over the middle of the foot.
Recovery
The recovery is the final phase of the lift. The lifter stands up from the squat position, keeping the bar overhead until the lift is completed and the bar can be safely dropped.
Training
Training for the snatch involves a combination of strength training, technique drills, and flexibility work. Lifters often use accessory exercises such as the hang snatch, power snatch, and snatch balance to improve specific aspects of the lift. Strength training for the snatch typically involves exercises that develop the muscles of the legs, back, and shoulders.
Competition
In a weightlifting competition, each lifter is given three attempts to lift the heaviest weight possible in the snatch. The lifter's best successful lift is then added to their best successful lift in the clean and jerk to determine their total score. The lifter with the highest total in each weight class is declared the winner.