Snatch Training idea

Rashid Muftakhov is one of the posters on a RUssian GS forum http://girikms.forum24.ru/ He regularly posts interesting and useful ideas regarding trainig. I already mentioned his post on re-fatigue method for training on IGX, here is another one.

Rashid suggests when training for the snatch to always go for maximum reps. However, in a little different way: training each arm separately. In other words get your max reps for the left arm, put the bell down for several minutes, rest and then do the right arm. The rationale behind it is that after maxing out on one arm you are tired, and the technique after switching deteriorates, leading to the reduced training effect.

I think he has a point. These kind of sets may be done several times during training session. They can help doing more volume wiht better technique while still keeping the OTW principles alive. They can also serve as pre-fatiguig sets: by the time you get to the second or third set with the initial arm, the forearm is tired - maxed out - and you will have to seriously watch your technique in order not to let the bell fly away.

Just another trick in the hat.

After thinking about it for a while, I like Rashid's idea more and more. Snatching sets to the max with one arm would seriously load the forearm and the wrist, the main areas that limit reps in snatches. On the other hand, switching hands every minute or ten reps allows for longer sets which, in turn, will get cardiovascular system going along with the big muscles of the legs and back. And control sets according to GS rules - ten minutes to the max with one hand switch - will imitate comtetition. Therefore, all three may have value.