Whats up with O-lifters wrists

[GqArtguy]

http://www.olympiclifting.citymax.co...age/808438.htm

Ok when I see pros do jerks and snatches, it looks like their wrists are bent back instead of straight as in a military press. Is this good form or what?

I think my hands would fall off if I tried to do my lifts like that.

[Jean-Paul]

OUCH!


Shane Hamman snatches 197.5 Kg

I know what you mean. My wrists ache just watching this stuff. I presume that they toughen up their joints for this, or either that always suffer from chronic wrist pain. Bill?

I know that when I used to do cleans that I was taught to barely hold the bar in the tips of my fingers with my wrist cocked back in a painful unnatural contortion, but it was also the only way to get my elbows out in front of me.

[GqArtguy]

Yeah I know what you mean JP. Did you do anything to remedy the wrist pain in your cleans at all or what?

[Bill Hartman]

Very simple...

You're born with the wrist flexibility
OR
You adapt and acquire it (most folks)
OR
You suck it up and deal with the pain
OR
You play tennis

JP, the open hand position you talk about is very common and accepted.

The best way to develop such flexibility,that I've found, is PNF/isometric stretches followed immediately with loaded stretches in wrist extension. The best is obviously just holding the weight in the racked position. Adjusting your grip width and degree of shoulder rotation will help also.

If you look at 10 different lifters, you may see 10 different approaches just as you'll see 10 different squat techniques.

Bill

P.S. I'm more impressed with the ankle flexibility.

[joshman]

I agree about the ankle flexibility! That's one of my weakest attributes -- maybe I should try snatches with 200kg and see if that helps?