Running head: KINEMATIC ANALYSIS SQUAT SNATCH
1
Kinematic Analysis of a Squat Snatch
Aleem Afzal, Grady Espinosa, Danzel Oruche, Jason Xu
Fall 2014
Instructor: Ms. Cassandra Stewart
Kin 480: Anatomical Kinesiology
A. Description of the Skill
,2[Type text] [Type text] [Type text]
1. Description
Performing a Squat Snatch is a form of Olympic weightlifting practiced by most
athletes to promote whole body muscular strength. Though it is used as a compound body
building mechanism, appropriate form is difficult to attain. The aim of the snatch is to lift
a barbell with appropriate weighted plates by the performer, from a squat to standing
position by moving the bar in unison from a preparatory position on the ground to a well-
balanced position overhead with arms locked out. This movement in a continuum scale
falls between simultaneous and sequential because it has aspects from both ends of the
spectrum. During a squat snatch the joints are all moving simultaneously, but at the same
time, the body segments are moving upright in a certain order sequentially.
2. Purpose of Squat Snatch
To lift a barbell with twenty- five pound plates on both ends off the ground safely
with efficient form and accurately held above the head in a standing position with both
shoulders externally rotated and elbows extended. To analysis the kinematic movements
and muscular characteristics of a cross fit athlete performing proper squat snatch
technique. Achieving proper technique will improve athletic performance as a result of
the explosive type movements of a squat snatch.
3. Classification of Motor Skill
, KINEMATIC ANALYSIS SQUAT SNATCH 3
Giving motion to external object by lifting and carrying weight resistance
4. Underlying Mechanical Objective
A) Manipulation of objects
B) Maximum effort
C) Maximum force
B. Description of Movement Phases
1. When a subject performs a movement such as a squat snatch he or she will
transition through a sequence of 5 events and 4 phases. The subject will begin
in the preparatory phase where the barbell is touching the floor from which the
subject will lift the barbell upward to the knees, completing the 1st pull. The
subject will then thrust the hips forward making contact with the barbell and
continue to drive the barbell upwards, concluding the 2nd event as well as the
second pull. The subject will then drop beneath the barbell into an overhead
squat catching the barbell above the head with the arms fully extended while
maintaining a squatted position. This would result in the conclusion of the 3rd
and 4th event, the transition and catch, along with the 3rd phase, the lowering
phase. The subject will then stand up with the barbell overhead, known as the
rising phase which will take the subject to the final event, the standing
position, completing the movement.
1
Kinematic Analysis of a Squat Snatch
Aleem Afzal, Grady Espinosa, Danzel Oruche, Jason Xu
Fall 2014
Instructor: Ms. Cassandra Stewart
Kin 480: Anatomical Kinesiology
A. Description of the Skill
,2[Type text] [Type text] [Type text]
1. Description
Performing a Squat Snatch is a form of Olympic weightlifting practiced by most
athletes to promote whole body muscular strength. Though it is used as a compound body
building mechanism, appropriate form is difficult to attain. The aim of the snatch is to lift
a barbell with appropriate weighted plates by the performer, from a squat to standing
position by moving the bar in unison from a preparatory position on the ground to a well-
balanced position overhead with arms locked out. This movement in a continuum scale
falls between simultaneous and sequential because it has aspects from both ends of the
spectrum. During a squat snatch the joints are all moving simultaneously, but at the same
time, the body segments are moving upright in a certain order sequentially.
2. Purpose of Squat Snatch
To lift a barbell with twenty- five pound plates on both ends off the ground safely
with efficient form and accurately held above the head in a standing position with both
shoulders externally rotated and elbows extended. To analysis the kinematic movements
and muscular characteristics of a cross fit athlete performing proper squat snatch
technique. Achieving proper technique will improve athletic performance as a result of
the explosive type movements of a squat snatch.
3. Classification of Motor Skill
, KINEMATIC ANALYSIS SQUAT SNATCH 3
Giving motion to external object by lifting and carrying weight resistance
4. Underlying Mechanical Objective
A) Manipulation of objects
B) Maximum effort
C) Maximum force
B. Description of Movement Phases
1. When a subject performs a movement such as a squat snatch he or she will
transition through a sequence of 5 events and 4 phases. The subject will begin
in the preparatory phase where the barbell is touching the floor from which the
subject will lift the barbell upward to the knees, completing the 1st pull. The
subject will then thrust the hips forward making contact with the barbell and
continue to drive the barbell upwards, concluding the 2nd event as well as the
second pull. The subject will then drop beneath the barbell into an overhead
squat catching the barbell above the head with the arms fully extended while
maintaining a squatted position. This would result in the conclusion of the 3rd
and 4th event, the transition and catch, along with the 3rd phase, the lowering
phase. The subject will then stand up with the barbell overhead, known as the
rising phase which will take the subject to the final event, the standing
position, completing the movement.
