Description
A power lifting exercise that targets the shoulders, back, and legs, where you lift a barbell from the floor to an overhead position in one swift movement with one arm.
How to Do Barbell One Arm Snatch
- 1Setup
Stand with feet hip-width apart, barbell centered between your feet. Grip the barbell with one hand using a pronated grip, slightly outside your leg, and lower your hips with a straight back and chest up.
- 2Setup
Ensure your shoulders are slightly over the bar, arms long, and lats engaged, taking tension off the floor.
- 3
Initiate the first pull by explosively extending your hips and knees, lifting the barbell smoothly off the floor while keeping it close to your body.
- 4
As the bar passes your knees, perform a powerful triple extension of your hips, knees, and ankles, shrugging your shoulder and pulling your elbow high to accelerate the bar upwards.
- 5
Quickly drop under the bar, rotating your elbow to punch the bar overhead, catching it in a stable overhead position with a straight arm and slightly bent knees. Stand up fully to complete the lift.
- 6
Control the barbell back down to the floor by reversing the movement, absorbing the impact by bending your knees and hips.
Tips
- Focus on the powerful 'scoop' or hip drive; a strong hip extension is key to generating the necessary momentum for the lift.
- Maintain a vertical and close bar path throughout the entire movement to maximize efficiency, control, and safety.
- Practice overhead squats with one arm to build stability and confidence in the lockout position before attempting the full snatch.
- Actively 'punch' your hand towards the ceiling as you drop under the bar; this quick action ensures a stable and secure overhead catch.
Common Mistakes
- ×Rounding the back during the initial pull compromises spinal safety; always maintain a neutral spine by engaging your core and keeping your chest up.
- ×Looping the bar away from the body reduces power and control, making the lift harder and riskier; focus on pulling the bar straight up along your body line.
- ×Not fully extending the hips and knees (pulling with the arms too soon) limits power transfer; ensure a complete triple extension before initiating the arm pull.
Variations

Dumbbell One Arm Thruster
Perform a powerful full-body dumbbell one-arm thruster to build strength and power.

Dumbbell Seated One Arm Arnold Press
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Dumbbell One Arm Lateral Raise
Isolate and strengthen your lateral deltoids with the Dumbbell One Arm Lateral Raise. This effective exercise builds wider, more defined shoulders.

Dumbbell One Arm Shoulder Press
Press a dumbbell overhead with one arm to build strong, balanced shoulders. This exercise targets the anterior deltoids while engaging your core for
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