Kirk on why people miss Jerks
1. They think the jerk is a JUMP up and slide under. From the beginning, the “jump” cue that many lifters that have no coaches and read online, are exposed to this completely WRONG cue and end up spending more time floating in the air than exploding a bar upwards. Make no mistake here, I’m cockily saying “Jump is wrong”, no matter how you try to debate this. Jump IS wrong.
Would it make more sense to try pushing a 90KG bar really high, or push it slightly and drive yourself quickly, under the bar? The bar is your “floor”. Use it to de-accelerate your upwards momentum once it’s been transferred to the bar, and push under.
2. Their trunks are weak as crap, thus they can’t maintain a completely upright position when jerking. Forward bending of trunk, allows? Forward movement of bar! Straight trunk? Straight up! The Chinese understand the jerk is more dependent on trunk strength (I HATE the word Core. Makes me sound like a dammed Swiss ball/Vibration plate “certified” instructor) than it is on leg strength.
Often, you’ll front squat more than you’ll clean. So you’ve the leg strength. Now, to deliver the leg strength/power, you’ll need a solid “connector”(trunk). Having a strong trunk, enables maximal power delivery and confidence!
Oh yeah, and if you don’t do pulls, don’t ask me what’s gonna strengthen the trunk. No, 1000 back extensions ain’t gonna do shit for your jerks. What the hell you think you are? A model in a 24 Hour Fitness commercial?
Yes, back squats and front squats can help. But a Canadian athlete that competed in the recent Commonwealth games have reported better performance ever since including pulls.
3. You FEEL the weights. I don’t know how you say this, but when the bar’s on your chest, try not to feel it?
Bah…..this is impossible to explain in words. Just, well, don’t let the weight of the bar, get to your head. Just get it there, stand strong, perfect technique and drive up and under the bar. A lot of times, lifters miss their lifts because they’re afraid. How many times have we missed a snatch, because we thought “Oh crap! This is heavy!” the moment the bar leaves the floor?
And that’s it for my morning nonsensical rant. Time to hit the islands for my first unemployed day.
