08/23/2026
⚡️Power Snatches are a high reward low risk exercise for athletic performance. Many argue the learning curve is too steep so they unfortunately leave it out of their training altogether. With the athletic performance benefits including increased rate of force development, increased power production, increased durability (lower risk for injury), and improved change of direction quickness aka agility.
Athletes can find a way to develop this skill in order to train optimally for performance by practicing with an empty bar. This is not to say they need to ever go very heavy in this movement, they can safely and effectively train force velocity with 50-100% of their bodyweight added to bar once proficient with technique.
Power Snatches have a final takeoff phase called the
“triple extension position” *shown above. It is the explosive action produced by the violent extension of the hips, knees, and ankles. Athletes also benefit in the upper body by pulling the weight vertically and stabilizing it overhead *punch upwards. Triple extension is extremely common in sports involving sprinting, change of direction, and jumping vertically or horizontally (every sport).
Power Snatches are often a neglected movement in a lot of sport performance training due to their complexity of movement mechanics. Many people need to spend time working on their shoulder, hip, and ankle mobility to competently perform a power sn**ch. Things like barbell sn**ch pulls, db sa sn**ch, hex bar speed deadlift, med ball slams and throws, kettlebell swings and throws, squat jumps, banded Squats, and weighted box jumps can suffice until the power sn**ch can be performed with a barbell.
The power sn**ch is very effective and potent for maximizing athletic performance given the high neuromuscular coordination and motor unit recruitment required (it uses the most muscles at once in a coordinated movement that generates maximum energy expenditure and force at a high speed).
Taking the time to learn how to power sn**ch has great benefit to athletes who play sports - power sn**ch improves running speed and efficiency, jumping ability and quickness off the ground, lateral speed, and force absorption.