Rebending of Knees for Arioch

[wguitarg]

Arioch, I took a ganders at the powerclean and snatch articles written up a while back and noticed that you really emphasize the rebending of the knees technique when cleaning or snatching. Now, I've also heard from one source, namely J.V. Askem(for got his homepag, jstu look up his name unger google) that this technique is not for everybody, as it requires a certain build that I think I do not have, as the rebending does not come natural. To tell you alittle about my build and stats, I just turned 18, 6'3, 195lb, PC- 215, PC and push press - 200. My bench is 235, full squat is 285, deadlift is 305 for 3 . Anyways, I have long arms, long legs, and my torso is average I would guess, I'm not too good of a judge of torso length

Basically what i'm trying to ask is if my build is adequate for the rebend? Also, how do you keep the bar from lowering if you rebend your knees? Thanks so much for your help. I'm not currently performing any powercleans as I'm mainly working on my strength base. Thanks.

 

[coolcolj]

I don't think you need to rebend your knees in Power Cleans or Power Snatches, this is more something you do with proper competition OLs.

 

[Arioch]

It is not required, but there is a very good reason all of the better lifters do it. There have been some exceptions, but not really anyone of note since Dave Reigert, and he quit competing more than 20 years ago.

Anyone can learn it, just some people (like me) pick it up easier than other. It took this one kid I am coaching nearly six months, then suddenly he had a rebend, and his cleans and snatches increased by 20 kgs over the course of a week.

I am familiar with Askem, and disagree with him on a few things, this being one of them. For your purposes, it is not required, but if you plan on going further, it is probably best to try and learn it. The easiest way to learn it is to have a qualified coach teach you.
For your nearest LWC, check out:
www.usaweightlifting.org

under about it has local weightlifting centers.

To keep the bar from descending you just keep pulling. Even though the knees are rebending, the torso is still extending, and the rebend, even among beginners, should be less than 1/2 second. The purpose of rebending is to allow more leg drive to be generated on the 2nd pull.

 

[wguitarg]

Thanks for clearing that up Arioch. Now ddo trust Askem's opinion, but once I read the thoroughness and quality of your articles that are backed up not only by years of experience and scientific evidence, but also you're one strong mofo, I began to question askem's claims, although I still respect him a a lfiter and coach. Anyways, thanks a bunch. I'll probably start reincorporating OL into my training when my squat and deadlift raech levels worthy of a 195lb lifter.

 

[Arioch]

If you plan on encorporating the quick lifts, the sooner you start the better. To truly develop skill in the lifts takes quite a bit of time.

 

[coolcolj]

The double dip is kinda like a plyometric move in a vertical jump.