Intermediate exercise

Power Snatch from Blocks

  • Power
  • Strength
  • Olympic Weightlifting

Technique

How to perform Power Snatch from Blocks

  1. Begin with a loaded barbell on boxes or stands of the desired height. A wide grip should be taken on the bar. The feet should be directly below the hips, with the feet turned out as needed.
  2. Lower the hips, with the chest up and the head looking forward. The shoulders should be just in front of the bar, with the elbows pointed out. This will be the starting position.
  3. Begin the first pull by driving through the front of the heels, raising the bar from the boxes. Transition into the second pull by extending through the hips knees and ankles, driving the bar up as quickly as possible. The bar should be close to the body. At peak extension, shrug the shoulders and allow the elbows to flex to the side. As you move your feet into the receiving position, forcefully pull yourself below the bar as you elevate the bar overhead. The feet should move to just outside the hips, turned out as necessary. Receive the bar above a full squat and with the arms fully extended overhead. Keeping the bar aligned over the front of the heels, your head and chest up, drive through heels of the feet to move to a standing position. Carefully return the weight to the boxes.

Programming relevance

Muscles involved

Primary targets: Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, Erector Spinae, Rectus Femoris, Semimembranosus, Semitendinosus.

MuscleScoreRole
Gluteus Maximus1.0Target, Mover
Biceps Femoris0.8Target, Mover
Erector Spinae0.8Target, Mover, Stabilizer
Rectus Femoris0.8Target, Mover
Semimembranosus0.8Target, Mover
Semitendinosus0.8Target, Mover
Anterior Deltoid0.7Mover, Stabilizer
Trapezius0.7Mover
Posterior Deltoid0.5Mover, Stabilizer