As noted in the recent StrongFirst newsletter the kettlebell snatch and barbell snatch are “cousins” and while related there are differences beyond the names. In this new article from Rebecca Rouse, StrongFirst Certified SFG Level II Instructor, we get the opportunity to take a dive into those differences and similarities.

Rebecca begins:

“One of the very first principles learned in the school of hardstyle kettlebell training is that “power comes from the hips.” In the kettlebell ballistics (swing, clean, and snatch), the hips are largely what drives the lifter’s ability to move a weight from back between the legs to the end point of the movement.

In the realm of Olympic weightlifting (which includes the barbell snatch and clean & jerk), the hips also play an important role in explosive power development. In the Olympic lifts, the barbell passes through the “power position,” where it makes contact with the hips in order to initiate the second pull—arguably the most important part of the snatch/clean because of the degree of power produced from this point.

For this reason, both modalities are exceptional for helping the athlete, or everyday person, build lower body power and explosiveness.

While there are certainly similarities between these two modalities, specifically when it comes to production and utilization of power, there are several differences between them that should also be considered.”