What is the snatch?
B · Beginner · The lifts and winning · 2 of 6In the snatch the lifter pulls the barbell from the platform to the full stretch of both arms above the head in a single movement, dropping under it into a squat or a split. The lifter then stands up and holds the bar still, arms and legs straight, until the referees signal to put it down.
How it works
- The barbell is centred on the platform. The lifter stands behind it, facing the officials.
- The lifter grips the bar palms downward and bends at the knees.
- The bar is pulled "in a single movement from the platform to the full extent of both arms above the head", while the lifter either splits or bends the legs.
- During the pull the bar stays close to the body and may slide along the legs.
- The lifter recovers in their own time, from the squat or the split.
- The finish: motionless, both arms and legs fully extended, feet on the same line and parallel to the plane of the trunk and the bar.
- The referees give the signal to lower the bar as soon as the lifter is motionless in all parts of the body.
- Feet only: no part of the body other than the feet may touch the platform.
- No pause: a pause during the lifting of the bar is a fault in the snatch.
- Grip: the hook grip, with the fingers covering the last joint of the thumb, is permitted.
The glossary describes the two ways of catching the bar under squat style and split style.
Tricky cases
Can the lifter take as long as they like to stand up from the squat?
Yes. The lifter "may recover in their own time".
The bar brushes the thighs on the way up. Is that a fault?
No. The bar may slide along the legs during the pull.
The lifter's knee touches the platform in a split. Is the lift good?
No. Touching the platform with any part of the body other than the feet is a fault.
The lifter catches the bar with slightly bent arms and pushes them straight. Is that allowed?
No. Continuing to straighten the arms after reaching the lowest point of the squat or split is a press-out, and the lift does not count.
Why the rule exists
The snatch is defined by its one unbroken movement. The requirement to finish still and straight gives the referees a clear picture to judge, and stops a lift counting when the bar was only thrown up and never under control.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The rule book read | As above | BWL 2.2; BWL 2.4; BWL 2.5 |
| Lifters who cannot fully straighten an elbow | Must show this to the referees and jury before the competition and before each lift | BWL 2.4.4 |
From the rule book
British Weight Lifting Technical and Competition Rules and Regulations (updated 22 July 2026), rules 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5. A national rule book that follows the IWF rules. The IWF document itself was not read. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: BWL Technical and Competition Rules and Regulations 2026 (PDF).