How I Teach Cleans

When I teach cleans to the players I use the KISS method.  A brief description and demonstration is all that is needed to start.  Followed by practice and feedback of course.  It is not this long, drawn out process that uses partial movements.  It does not take months of training before cleans are mastered. I teach the entire lift starting on the first day.  Within 2 weeks an entire team of 'rookie' players can do good cleans.

Here are some points to remember when teaching the lift:

*Always have the players lift with a flat back.  No slouching.

*The players must get their hips back and chest over the bar before jumping.

*The players must jump when they clean.  Their feet will leave the ground.  Not jumping eqauals not cleaning.

*Grip the barbell tight with the wrists rolled under.

*When you are teaching you must be hands on, literally.  Physically manipulate the player's body position to get them into the correct beginning and end positions.

*Always stand behind the players when teaching the lift.  You can not manipulate them when you are in front and you are risking getting hit by the weight. 

*When th players catch the weight on their shoulders they need to bend their knees and hips.  I explain that their legs are like the suspension of a car absorbing the impact of the weight on their bodies.

*The weight should move fast.  Cleans should look quick and smooth when performed correctly.

*When programming cleans keep the reps relatively low.  Five to six reps per set is the most I will ever program.