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January 8, 2007
"Shaped charge" kettlebell snatches
A shaped charge pierces a tank's armour. The same amount of loose explosive will do the armour no harm.
In the same vein, dumb strength is wasteful. Focus and guide your effort and the effect of your strength will be multiplied. Dr. Stuart McGill has coined the term “steering strength” to emphasize this point.
In Enter the Kettlebell! I explained that in the perfect clean the kinetic energy of the kettlebell is redirected straight down to your feet the moment you rack the kettlebell. The poor alternative is getting knocked back.
You should do the same with your snatches. Even though your arm and shoulder are moving back as you are finishing the snatch, the kettlebell should not be wrenching your shoulder back. Redirect the momentum of the weight straight down to your shoulder socket and then straight into the ground as you punch up. In other words, “tame the arc” not only when the kettlebell is in front of you, but also at the very lockout.
If you have performed the technique correctly even a heavy kettlebell will pause motionless at the top and so will your body. With no effort to stay balanced.
Russian kettlebell power to you!
To learn more about Kettlebells and Pavel's Kettlebell programs click herePosted by james at January 8, 2007 1:00 AM