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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