The 2 most important lifts in competition

So you are entering a Weightlifting competition. GREAT!!! Whether it's your first one or you are an experienced lifter there are 2 attempts that are the most important ones in competition. Far too many lifters make attempts and miss too often. In the sport of Weightlifting you have to make lifts. PERIOD!!! This cannot be underestimated. Last years nationals score card looked like a bloodbath with so many missed attempts. Without at least one successful snatch lift and one successful clean n jerk you cannot total. It's called bombing out!!! Let's look at those 2 attempts that are the most important.

Snatch:
Your first snatch attempt should be the most important one because it should be the easiest one!!! The rule of thumb is that your opening snatch should be something you can double in training. You don't want to miss your first attempt because now you're in trouble. You start to enter doubt into your mindset and you don't want that to happen. Make your first attempt count.

Clean n jerk:
Your opening clean n jerk should be something you can do in training any day of the week. The more attempts you make the more confidence you gain while progressing in the competition. A clean + front squat + jerk is a great combo lift to practice as an opener in training. Whatever weight that is for you consider that an opening attempt weight. You don't want to start too heavy because then you might not have enough strength for the 3rd attempt. Depending on the competition you can open slightly heavier.

Final thoughts:
Your first attempts should be the most important ones because then you can total. You have trained hard for months and you don't want to show up on competition day bombing out or going something like 2 for 6. Your training should be your preparation and selecting weights you can make as openers improves your odds at success. I recommend at local smaller meets to aim for 6 for 6 and open with lighter weights to build confidence. These smaller meets are great to get in those kilos. Make your lifts, make your openers and make it count.

Coach Cano