Clean from Top Thigh

Overview

The Clean from Top Thigh is a skill drill for developing confidence in the Clean. It helps the athlete to practise and develop speed of movement under the bar, a key success factor in high performance Olympic Weightlifting.

Coaching Points

1. Stand with the bar at the waist and lower slowly a small distance (5-10cm) to the top of the thighs.
2. Pause momentarily before commencing the lift.
3. Look straight ahead at all times. Do not long down at the bar.
4. Commence the action with a vigorous attempt to drop under the bar with speed. It is necessary to apply upward force to the bar with arms strongly. This arm action is crucial.
5. During the drop under the bar, feet should move fast and low to the ground.
6. In the receiving position, elbows must be raised high.
7. The head should remain still at all times.
8. Practising a brief pause in the receiving position before standing up is recommended on lighter sets.