OLY Terminology

Question 1

First pull

Answer 1

The first pull of the snatch or clean is the movement of the bar from its starting point on the floor until it reaches approximately mid-thigh, the point at which the final upward explosive effort is initiated.

Question 2

Second Pull

Answer 2

The second pull of the snatch or clean is final upward explosive effort of the lift, beginning when the bar reaches approximately mid-thigh and ending with the complete extension of the hips and knees.

Question 3

Third Pull

Answer 3

The third pull of the snatch or clean is the movement of the lifter under the bar after the final upward extension.

Question 4

Hang

Answer 4

Hang refers to a starting position for a lift with the bar above floor level, e.g. Hang Clean. At what height a hang lift is started needs to specified, such as mid-thigh, knee or below the knee.

Question 5

Preparatory position

Answer 5

The position the lifter assumes with the bar on the ground as the perform ant pre-lift rituals

Question 6

Starting position

Answer 6

The position from which the lifter actually lifts the bar from the ground.

Question 7

Receiving position

Answer 7

Receiving position refers to the position of the feet when receiving the snatch, clean or power jerk. It is most often the same as the lifter’s squat stance.

Question 8

Pulling position

Answer 8

Pulling position refers to the position of the feet during the pull of the snatch or clean.

Question 9

Power position

Answer 9

The position during the pull of the snatch or clean when the knees have moved forward under the bar during the double knee bend and the bar is in contact with the body and the trunk approximately vertical.

Question 10

Power

Answer 10

The term power refers to a receiving position of the snatch, clean or jerk in a partial squat (e.g. power snatch). Most commonly the cut-off point is a parallel squat—if the lifter receives and stops the bar before squatting below parallel, the lift qualifies as power snatch, power clean or power jerk. It is also sometimes defined as no more than a 90-degree bend in the knees.

Question 11

Drive position

Answer 11

Drive position refers to the position of the feet during the drive of the jerk.

Question 12

Scoop/Double Knee Bend

Answer 12

AKA Transition

The scoop is the forward movement of the partially-bent knees under the bar during the double knee bend of the snatch or clean.

The double knee bend is the temporary cessation of extension and forward movement of the knees during the final explosive extension of the snatch or clean. This is a natural reaction if the position is correct upon initiating the second pull and does not need to be performed intentionally.

Question 13

Concentric phase

Answer 13

The concentric phase of a lift is that during which the acting muscles are contracting. As an example, the concentric phase of the squat is the phase of returning to a standing position from the bottom position.

Question 14

Eccentric phase

Answer 14

The eccentric phase of a lift is that during which the acting muscles are extending. It is sometimes referred to as the “negative” phase of the lift. As an example, the eccentric phase of the squat is the movement from standing down into the bottom position.

Question 15

Split

Answer 15

The split is the receiving position for the split jerk, which is a partial-depth lunge. Also used in the split snatch and split clean.

Question 16

Recovery (position)

Answer 16

The movement of the lifter from the receiving position to the final standing position.

Question 17

Drive

Answer 17

The aggressive push against the ground with the legs to accelerate and elevate the barbell maximally

Question 18

Dip

Answer 18

The bending of the knees to elastically load the muscles and barbell, and position the body to allow the legs to drive the barbell upwards