Dumbbell Snatch

BobVulture · 01-31-2013, 11:49 PM

At my university gym the olympic lifts are not allowed, I do however have a set of adjustable dumbbells. So I was just hoping to get some thoughts on dumbbell snatches; do they have the same benefits as a barbell snatch? Is their any carryover at all between the two?

Tosa · 02-01-2013, 12:46 AM

I'm not practiced in either, but I'll throw some thoughts out there:

A) If you're unable to actually practice the snatch, then it doesn't really matter what exercises might have carryover to it. It's not something you can expect to not suck at, because you did exercises that are supposed to carryover.

B) There's almost certainly less carryover than there is with the exercises weightlifters typically use to improve their snatch

C) I imagine there's some of the same benefits, in that they're both an explosive pull. But I suspect the DB snatch doesn't live up to the real thing. Personally, if I wanted to do an explosive pull, and olympic lifts aren't being considered, I'd do speed deads.

D) Perhaps more important, is what is the end goal? What is it that you'd want to get out of doing either lift? Because maybe the DB snatch is reasonable for this goal, or maybe there's a better option.

**Det_Kimble** · 02-01-2013, 01:17 AM

I used to do dumbbell snatches instead of barbell snatches for a while. In my experience, there wasn't a lot of carryover. In fact, it took me a while to get used to barbell snatches again because of the different starting position (having the dumbbell centered between your legs vs. a wide grip on a barbell). I view them more as an assistance movement than anything else. They're fun to do, though. I still work them in my routine every once in a while.

BobVulture · 02-01-2013, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tosa

I'm not practiced in either, but I'll throw some thoughts out there:

A) If you're unable to actually practice the snatch, then it doesn't really matter what exercises might have carryover to it. It's not something you can expect to not suck at, because you did exercises that are supposed to carryover.

B) There's almost certainly less carryover than there is with the exercises weightlifters typically use to improve their snatch

C) I imagine there's some of the same benefits, in that they're both an explosive pull. But I suspect the DB snatch doesn't live up to the real thing. Personally, if I wanted to do an explosive pull, and olympic lifts aren't being considered, I'd do speed deads.

D) Perhaps more important, is what is the end goal? What is it that you'd want to get out of doing either lift? Because maybe the DB snatch is reasonable for this goal, or maybe there's a better option.

My end goal is really just to improve my explosiveness.

mooshy · 02-01-2013, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobVulture

My end goal is really just to improve my explosiveness.

DB snatch is a good move for that goal if you cant do the real thing. Why doesnt your gym allow it? Or does it just not allow dropping weights? Can you still get away with it if theres no dropping/banging/noise? Power and hang versions too?

LegioTitan · 02-01-2013, 10:42 AM

No they have absolutely nothing in common with a proficient barbell snatch. Other than the implement starting on the ground and ending it's travel above your head.

That's not to say DB snatches can't be used in a program, just not as a replacement for actual snatching.

It's always fun to say snatch. Snatch, snatch, snatch.

BobVulture · 02-01-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mooshy

DB snatch is a good move for that goal if you cant do the real thing. Why doesnt your gym allow it? Or does it just not allow dropping weights? Can you still get away with it if theres no dropping/banging/noise? Power and hang versions too?

I'm assuming it's because of the chance of dropping them, although I was just told they weren't allowed. I was also told this while doing the power variations, so it's just a no go in general.

TheeFaulted · 02-01-2013, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LegioTitan

No they have absolutely nothing in common with a proficient barbell snatch. Other than the implement starting on the ground and ending it's travel above your head.

That's not to say DB snatches can't be used in a program, just not as a replacement for actual snatching.

It's always fun to say snatch. Snatch, snatch, snatch.

Pearse Shields · 02-01-2013, 03:42 PM

If you're proficient in your technique, then no, not really.

If you're a munter like me who can't snatch for shit, then there could be some carryover when you go back to barbell snatches. I had this happen last year when I spent a period of time doing no barbell work, just dumbbell and bodyweight exercises.

Once again, I am a munter who can't snatch for shit, but it's a great exercise.

ripskater · 02-04-2013, 07:25 PM

Personally i experienced more sports benefits with unilateral dumbell snatches than regular snatches. I really noticed the difference in my explosiveness and with sprinting with that exercise. It's a great exercise. In my case, I actually preferred it based on performance results.