Abstract
Analysis of elite performances is important to elucidate the characteristics of effective weightlifting technique contributing to the highest level of achievement. The general technique of the weightlifting movements is well established. However, it is also apparent that weightlifting technique can differ based on athlete characteristics. Thus, existing technical models may not accurately reflect current technique of top performers or be applied generically to athletes of different skill, size, sex, or ability. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to update the scientific knowledge of snatch technique of top international weightlifters. This study used video analysis to determine barbell trajectory and kinematics of 319 successful snatch attempts from two major international competitions. Relative frequencies of barbell trajectory types differed based on competition, sex, category, and ranking. No statistical differences were observed among the top-three performers for either sex for most kinematic variables, and there were no overall discernible patterns of effect size differences for individual or clusters of kinematic variables. The results of this study indicate that weightlifting success can be achieved with a variety of technique profiles.
Highlights
Attempts completed during major international weightlifting competitions represent maximum or near-maximum performances by the most-skilled performers of the weightlifting movements, and these performances are instructive for the idealization of effective weightlifting technique
Relative frequencies of each trajectory type were similar between WWC and Pan-American Weightlifting Championship (PAWC)
Top-three finishers at WWC and PAWC exhibited some differences in relative frequencies of trajectory types compared to A session lifters within and between competitions (Table 3; Supplementary Tables S1–S3)
Summary
Attempts completed during major international weightlifting competitions represent maximum or near-maximum performances by the most-skilled performers of the weightlifting movements (the snatch, the clean, and the jerk), and these performances are instructive for the idealization of effective weightlifting technique. The general technique of the weightlifting movements is well established [1,2,3,4,5]. It is apparent that weightlifting technique can differ based on athlete characteristics. Differences in the relative frequencies of barbell trajectory types among lifters in A versus B sessions during international competitions have been observed [4,6]. Several authors have reported differences in lifter and barbell kinematics and kinetics based on skill level [6,7,8].
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