Kettlebell Snatch

One continuous pull from between the legs to lockout overhead. The highest power-output kettlebell lift and a brutal aerobic tool at moderate load.

DIFFICULTY
Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Kettlebell
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Glutes · Hamstrings · Deltoids
ALSO WORKS
Lats · Traps · Lower back · Forearms & Grip
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Hike the bell back hard between the legs with a flat back and a long arm.
  2. 02Drive the hips through and pull the bell up the centre line, letting the elbow bend as it passes the ribs.
  3. 03Punch the hand up and through the handle as the bell reaches head height so it settles rather than slaps.
  4. 04Lock out overhead with the biceps by the ear, wrist straight and shoulder packed down.
  5. 05Tip the bell over, guide it down past the shoulder and hinge to absorb it back into the hike.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01High pull, then punch the ceiling.
  2. 02Bell floats, hand goes to meet it.
  3. 03Show me a locked elbow before the next rep.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Letting the bell loop away from the body, which flips it hard onto the wrist and shreds the forearm.
  2. 02Muscling the last third with the shoulder, which turns a hip-powered lift into a fatiguing arm lift.
  3. 03Finishing with a soft elbow, which leaves the load on the rotator cuff instead of stacked bone on bone.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

Want a program built around you?

BOOK YOUR ASSESSMENT →