What is a Hang Power Clean? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique

What is a hang power clean? How is it different from a clean, power clean, or hang clean? As in our previous clean articles, let’s break this down simply and quickly, and for a demonstration with explanation, watch the included (and short) video.

Figure 1: the lift starts with the bar hanging in the hands (since “hang” is present).

“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 clean starts with the barbell hanging in the hands. Usually, the lift will start somewhere around the middle or lower part of the thigh, but you can also start a hang power clean from a lower or higher position.

Again - and this is the important part - a hang power clean 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 FRONT 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 front squat position.

So . . . What IS a Hang Power Clean?
Thus, a hang power clean 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 racked (AKA “caught” or “received”) in a partial depth front squat position before it is then stood up.

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

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