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Kettlebell One Arm Snatch

The classic one-arm kettlebell snatch, taking the bell from backswing to overhead lockout in one pull for explosive hips and total-body conditioning.

OlympicKettlebellBallistic hinge to overhead
GoLightWeight mediakettlebell-one-arm-snatch

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

GlutesHamstrings

Secondary

Posterior deltoidsTrapeziusSpinal erectorsForearms

Equipment

Kettlebell

Pattern

Ballistic hinge to overhead

Setup

  1. 01Place the kettlebell a foot in front of the toes.
  2. 02Take a shoulder-width stance and hinge down with a flat back.
  3. 03Grip the handle with one hand and pack the shoulder.
  4. 04Hike the bell back high between the legs to load the hips.

Execution

  1. 01Snap the hips forward hard to launch the bell upward.
  2. 02Keep the elbow soft and the bell close to the body on the way up.
  3. 03Punch the hand through the handle at eye level so the bell rolls onto the forearm.
  4. 04Lock the arm out overhead with the bicep near the ear.
  5. 05Let the bell drop and swing back through the legs for the next rep.

Checkpoints

  • -The bell lands softly on the forearm with no slap.
  • -The lockout stacks wrist over elbow over shoulder over hip.
  • -The hips, not the arm, create the height.
  • -The spine stays neutral through the backswing.

Common mistakes

  • -Casting the bell in a wide arc so it crashes on the forearm.
  • -Pulling with the arm instead of snapping the hips.
  • -Gripping too hard and tearing up the palm.
  • -Cutting the backswing short and losing power.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps per side for power work.
  • -Timed sets of 30 to 60 seconds, switching hands, build brutal conditioning.
  • -Learn the one arm swing and high pull first; the snatch is their finish.

Related exercises

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