Power Snatch vs Split Snatch vs Squat Snatch: Which One is BEST?

There are 3 different landing positions for the snatch, and each has its own advantages. Starting Strength Coaches Barb Mueller and Phil Meggers explain as Becky Meggers demonstrates these 3 different lifts.

(A Blast from the Past video originally published on 07/18/22)


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What is a Hang Power Snatch? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique

What is a hang power snatch? How is it different from a snatch, power snatch, or hang snatch?

FIGURE 1: THE LIFT STARTS WITH THE BAR HANGING IN THE HANDS (SINCE “HANG” IS PRESENT).

As in our previous snatch articles (click the links above), let’s break this down simply and quickly, and for a demonstration with explanation, watch the included (and short) video.

“Hang” is Present
We begin by examining the words present or not present in the name of the lift. The word “hang” is present, so the hang snatch starts with the barbell hanging in the hands (Figure 1). Usually, the lift will start somewhere around the middle or lower part of the thigh, but you can also start a hang power snatch from a lower or higher position.

Again - and this is the important part - a hang power snatch simply starts with the bar hanging in the hands, and thus the lift does not start with the bar resting on the floor.

figure 2: the lift is received in a partial depth overhead squat (since “power” is present).

“Power” is Present
The word “power” is present, and “power” refers to a landing position (AKA receiving position) - specifically, a partial squat landing position. As a result, this means that the lift will be caught or received in a partial depth overhead squat position (Figure 2).

So . . . What IS a Hang Power Snatch?
Thus, a hang power snatch is a lift wherein the bar starts hanging in the hands and is then accelerated upward, imparting enough momentum to the bar that the bar continues upward, whereupon it is then locked out overhead (AKA “received,” “racked,” or “caught”) in a partial depth overhead squat position before it is then stood up.

As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better.

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What is a Power Snatch? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique

What is a power snatch? How is it different from a hang snatch, hang power snatch, or snatch?

FIGURE 1: THE LIFT STARTS WITH THE BAR ON THE FLOOR (SINCE “HANG” IS NOT PRESENT).

Let’s break this down simply and quickly, and for a demonstration with explanation, watch the included (and short) video.

No “Hang”
We begin by looking at the words present or not present in the name of the lift.

The word “hang” is not present, so the power snatch doesn’t start with the barbell hanging in the hands and instead - by default - starts with the bar sitting on the floor (Figure 1).

figure 2: the lift is received in a partial depth overhead squat (since “power” is present).

“Power” is Present
The word “power” is present, and “power” refers to a landing position (AKA receiving position) - specifically, a partial squat landing position.

As a result, this means that the lift will be caught or received in a partial depth overhead squat position (Figure 2).

So . . . What IS a Power Snatch?
Thus, a power snatch is a lift wherein the bar starts on the floor and is then accelerated upward, imparting enough momentum to the bar that the bar continues upward, whereupon it is then locked out overhead (AKA “received,” “racked,” or “caught”) in a partial depth overhead squat position before it is then stood up.

As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better.

(Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Testify earns from qualifying purchases.)

If you found this helpful, you’ll love our weekly email. It’s got useful videos, articles, and training tips just like the one in this article. Sign up below, and of course, if you don’t love it, you can unsubscribe at any time.


At Testify, we offer small group training, private coaching (in-person or remotely via Zoom), online coaching, and form checks. Would you like to get quality coaching from a Starting Strength Coach?

Power Snatch vs Squat Snatch vs Split Snatch: Which Should YOU Do?

In weightlifting (AKA Olympic weightlifting), there are 3 different landing positions for the snatch, and each has its unique advantages. We cover each version as well as why you might want to perform it.


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What's the Difference: Snatch vs Hang Snatch vs Power Snatch | FAST & EASY

Snatch, hang snatch, power snatch, hang power snatch . . . all in less than 3 minutes! What are the differences between these lifts, and how can we easily remember each one?


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