The relative value of technique in Olympic Weightlifting PT. 1

In part 1 of this article we will talk about technique development and it's value in Weightlifting. Technique execution in Olympic Weightlifting (snatch, clean and jerk) is highly needed. Just as important as technique is so is strength. Let's explore.

Technique
You need to develop the motor skills and movement patterns to execute the olympic lifts as effectively and efficiently as possible. This process can take years to develop. The Soviet Union would develop their athletes and keep them in an athletic develop program that would last for decades if not a lifetime.

PASM = Process of Achieving Sports Mastery was the term the Soviet Union would use for athletes who desired to reach the highest level possible in their system. Athletes who achieved sports mastery after completing objectives set forth by the governing body would award athletes the distinction of Master of Sports. This distinction is seen not just in Weightlifting but for most sports in the Soviet Union and this system is still in place in now the Russian Federation.

While technique development is a life long process that requires years and years of training you cannot underestimate the necessity of being strong...very very strong.

The Goal of Weightlifting
What is the ultimate goal? It should be very obvious but the goal is to lift the maximum amount of weight possible given the abilities of the lifter. Considering all training variables technique cannot be underrated but strength is still essential. Technique cannot substitute for lack of strength.

Strength in Weightlifting
Being very strong where it matters for the snatch and clean and jerk matters for lifting more kilos. If you are lacking strength it's very difficult to make up strength deficits with improved technique. For example, in Roman's Training of the Weightlifter it's suggested that your squat should be about 130% of the max clean and jerk you want to lift. At the same token, you need to front squat 105% of the max clean n jerk you want to lift. These are minimum numbers but the point is to develop a reserve strength. If your max clean and jerk is 100 kgs but your best back squat is 105kgs you're not going to be strong enough to clean higher weights.

In part 2 we will share briefly how important strength is to Olympic lifting and why it matters to be very strong. Stay tuned.

Coach Cano