The Squat Snatch

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I think the thought exists that the term ‘Squat Snatch’ originated in the CrossFit community, when the term has existed for almost a century. There was once a time in Weightlifting history when a majority of the world records were set using the split style rather than the squat style that predominates today!

Larry Barnholth, the ‘Father of the Squat Snatch’ coached brothers Pete and Jim George. The George brothers can be considered the prototype Squat Snatchers, and were successful with the style that was thought at the time to be too precarious to be practical with heavy weights. Pete went on to become Olympic champion in 1952, with his brother Jim earning a silver medal in the 1960 Olympic Games and a Bronze in 1956. Larry Barnholth published his book ‘Secrets of the Squat Snatch’ in 1950, it is an excellent book that has been republished; I strongly recommend reading it!

Since results have demonstrated that the Squat Snatch is a viable (and the most efficient) way to Snatch, just about every athlete that you see in a Weightlifting competition will use this style so many coaches simply say ‘Snatch’ when referring to a Squat Snatch. At a time when both styles were seen equally in competition, it made sense to make the distinction of how the bar is received, and to my mind it makes as much sense in the realm of CrossFit since how the bar is received can drastically change the stimulus of the workout.

Even as the style has become less common, I’ve come across some newer literature from Weightlifting authorities like Tommy Kono, Dave Webster, and Jim Schmitz who happen to use the term. Personally I may say it without thinking about it because of coming across it in literature I read and from being around John Coffee for so long who would say Squat Snatch or Squat Clean synonymously with Snatch or Clean.

If you catch yourself saying ‘Squat Snatch’ or ‘Squat Clean’ then not to worry! The term has been around longer than most of us have been alive :) Just wanted to share!