Half Snatch (Kettlebell)
Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A partial snatch variation that develops explosive hip extension and pulling power, stopping at chest height rather than full overhead lockout.
Instructions
- Place kettlebell between your feet and take a shoulder-width stance with a slight knee bend.
- Hinge at the hips and grab the kettlebell handle with one hand.
- Drive through your heels while explosively extending your hips and knees simultaneously.
- As the kettlebell reaches ribcage height, rotate your wrist and pull it to shoulder height.
- Catch the kettlebell at shoulder height with your arm bent and elbow up.
- Lower the kettlebell back to the starting position in a controlled manner and repeat.
Tips
- Generate power from your hip extension rather than from your arm strength.
- Timing is crucial to the snatch, so practice the movement with light weight before loading heavy.
- The half snatch is an excellent progression toward full overhead snatches.
- Perform single-arm reps to address strength imbalances and improve unilateral power.
- This exercise builds explosive strength, power, and athletic qualities.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 13 kg | 12 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 12 kg | 11 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 9 kg | 8 kg |