Squat snatch vs power snatch

[Like_a_Weed]

Which is better to train for strongman/highland games?

Also squat clean vs power clean.

I'm interested in really working on my oly lifts but not sure if the extra time it takes to learn the full versions is worth the effort or would it be better just to focus on the power variations. I would either train squat snatch then overhead squat but think maybe a power snatch + overhead squat would be more efficient use of time.

[alpha]

Train them both. They both have important aspects to them that will be very benificial. Dont limit yourself to "one or the other"

[BrotherIron]

Something here most probably don't know is you should power EVERYTHING. Once the weight gets heavy enough you'll HAVE to squat snatch or squat clean the weight to get under the bar and complete the lift. You DON'T squat clean or squat snatch a light weight.

If you wanting to work balance you could do OH Squats, Drop Snatches (Snatch Recoveries), etc.

[BrotherIron]

Here's some food for thought for everyone wanting to learn the Olympic lifts.

You should "CATCH THE BAR ON THE RISE" when performing the snatch or the clean.

[PillarofBalance]

Here's some food for thought for everyone wanting to learn the Olympic lifts.

You should "CATCH THE BAR ON THE RISE" when performing the snatch or the clean.

That seems like common sense but I never thought of it that way...

[BrotherIron]

That seems like common sense but I never thought of it that way...

It may be, but it's not taught here in the US much. Most perform a triple extension here where the bar basically crashes on the lifter which leads to injury and isn't efficient.

When you pull yourself under the bar and catch it while it's still rising (you have to be EXTREMEMLY fast to do this) you don't have the bar crashing on you and it feels MUCH lighter. This is why I'm a fan of the what some call here in the US the catapult or what I call the double extension.

You have to remember that Olympic lifting is the most technically difficult sport in terms of weightlifting. If you set up wrong the bar won't leave the platform properly and the lift will go to hell.

This is why I say at least find an Oly gym if you want to learn the lifts and get help there. Most of the time they'll teach you the triple extension but that is still better than you trying to teach yourself.