I have been researching lifting for a report so i decided to post some stuff people might not know.
Lifts Competed as of 2008 Bejing Olympics- The Snatch, and Clean and Jerk.
In comparison to powerlifting, olympic tests ballistic limits (explosive strength), where as powerlifting tests limit strength, and in Olympic you cant use aids to help in lift, in powerlifting you can.
Broken Down_CLEAN AND JERK: AKA “the king of lifts”
Weight is kept on the heels. Toes may be pointed straight ahead or angled out according to the lifters preference. The chest is up and the back is neutral to slightly hyper extended. This is the starting position of the “pull” phase of the lift.
::Clean phase::
The lifter jumps the bar up through triple extension (in very quick succession) of the hips, knees and then ankles. When the legs have driven the bar as high as possible, the lifter pulls under the bar by violently shrugging (contracting) the trapezius muscles of the upper back (“traps”). This pulls the lifter under the bar and into a deep squat position. The lifter then stands (similar to a front squat) in preparation for the second phase.
::Overhead jerk phase::
From the standing position, the lifter bends the knees and then straightens them in order to propel the barbell upwards. The lifter pushes slightly with the arms. This pushes the lifter underneath the barbell. A split jerk is most often used, in which one leg lunges forward while the other moves backward. The lifter must hold the barbell overhead, keep the arms locked, and move the legs directly underneath the torso so that the entire body lines up in a single plane. A push jerk can also be used, in which the lifter keeps both legs in position, bends the knees and jumps into lockout position.
SNATCH:
1.The hips, shoulders and bar should move at the same pace. Push from the toes and slowly transition the weight into the mid-foot as you lift. The angle of the torso relative to the ground should remain constant.
2.Keep the bar close to your legs as you lift - this ensures proper alignment of the body. The bar should brush your legs a little on the way up.
3.When the weight is at mid-thigh, accelerate the bar upward by powerfully extending the knees and hips (and to some degree the ankles) until the body is fully erect. At the same time, shrug the shoulders. This part of the lift is known as the ‘scoop’ or ‘second pull’. Often, a lifter will bend the knees slightly and bring their torso to vertical before the second pull. This is called the ‘double knee bend’ style of lifting.
4.At the apex of the bar’s height, pull your body underneath the bar, catching it with locked arms overhead while squatting. This part of the motion requires a developed sense of timing and coordination, and is the crux of the entire lift.
5.Lock your arms with the weight overhead and stand up from the squat position.
This lift requires coordination, torso (core) stability, and explosive power of the legs to generate the upward momentum required to snatch hundreds of pounds overhead. Tremendous speed is required to get underneath the bar after the second pull.
Why we do these for sports conditioning?
Simply to gain more explosive power, or if you want to you compete in weightlifting meets, be my guest.
Olympic shoes:
Why, olympic shoes are needed for a more stable lift to say the least.
Links:
Cheapest-http://www.vstraining.com/product.php?xProd=57&xSec=1&jssCart=7b0341f1f3991849551daf3cb8f167c3
Adidas-http://www.dynamic-eleiko.com/
Rogue DoWin-http://www.roguefitness.com/store/rogue_dowins.php
Pendlay-http://www.pendlaybarbell.com/shoes.html
Werksan-http://www.werksanusa.com/products.asp?dept=4
Hope this helped to new comers.