Biomechanics of the Snatch Technique of Highly Skilled and Skilled Weightlifters

Abstract The lifting techniques of 10 world-class weightlifters were compared to those of 26 skilled collegiate weightlifters while performing the first portion of the snatch, from the lift-off of the barbell to the catch of the barbell overhead with the body in a squatting position. Cinematography was used to measure the joint angles, position of the center of gravity of the body, and the position of the barbell. Results indicated that the world-class weightlifters raised the barbell to a relatively lower height, assumed more flexed positions at the hips and knees with a smaller angle between the shank and floor during certain stages of the lift, and lowered their bodies more rapidly during the squatting portion of the lift than the collegiate weightlifters.