Hang Snatch
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The hang snatch is an explosive Olympic weightlifting movement performed from a hanging barbell position above the knees, involving a rapid pull and overhead catch to build power and speed-strength. It primarily targets the quads while engaging secondary muscles like the glutes, posterior thighs, and back. Ideal for athletes seeking to improve full-body explosiveness and athletic performance, it requires a barbell and plates rather than body weight alone.
How to Perform Hang Snatch
- 1Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes slightly out, holding an empty barbell (or PVC pipe for practice) with a wide snatch grip (hands about 1.5x shoulder width), palms down.
- 2Bend knees and hips to lower into a quarter squat, keeping bar close to shins, back flat, shoulders over bar, core braced, and arms straight.
- 3Inhale deeply to set your brace, then explosively extend hips, knees, and ankles upward (triple extension), shrugging shoulders and pulling bar high with straight arms.
- 4Exhale sharply as you drop under the bar by quickly bending knees into a full squat, rotating elbows under to catch bar overhead with arms locked.
- 5Secure the catch with bar directly overhead, elbows locked, shoulders stable, and weight balanced over mid-foot in deep squat position.
- 6Exhale fully, then drive up through legs to stand tall, keeping bar overhead with locked arms and tight core.
- 7Lower bar controlled to front rack, then to ground by reversing the squat and hip hinge.
- 8Key form tips: Keep bar path vertical and close to body—avoid leaning back. Use legs to initiate power, not arms. Maintain neutral spine; don't round back. Common mistakes: Incomplete extension, early arm bend, wide bar path, or collapsing under catch. Start light to master technique.
