Force development and snatch pull 20 COMPARISON OF RATE OF FORCE DEVELOPMENT DURING A LIGHT AND MODERATE LOAD SNATCH PULL

Wicki BM, Culici JN, DeMarco NT, Moran MF, Miller JD. Comparison of Rate of Force Development During a Light and Moderate Load Snatch Pull. Journal of Undergraduate Kinesiology Research 2014; (9)2:20-30. Purpose: Rate of force development is an integral factor, which may influence performance in the snatch lift. The first two phases of this lift are referred to as the snatch pull. Conventional training prescription suggests that performing the snatch pull at 30% maximal effort results in an increased lift acceleration as compared to 70%, which results in an increased total mass lifted. The purpose of this study was to measure force development rate during the snatch pull performed at 30% and 70% maximal effort in competitive weightlifters. Methods: Ten competitive male Olympic weightlifters (22.7 ± 3.80 yr) completed a self-selected warm-up, followed by three repetitions of 30% one maximal repetition (1-RM) and 70% 1-RM snatch lift, respectively. Vertical ground reaction force (GRFv) data was obtained from a 6-channel embedded force plate. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in peak ground reaction force (PGRF) (p <0.01) between the 30% (1324.43±232.89 N) and 70% (1856.61±213.19 N) trials. No significant differences were noted for average rate of force development (ARFD) (P=0.22) between load conditions (30%: 1157.7±487.07 N, 70%: 1456.01±491.54 N). Similarly, no significant differences were noted between load conditions (30%: 17114.16±5591.37 N, 70%: 19270.73±360.30 N) for peak rate of force development (PRFD) (P=0.27). Conclusion: Results of this study would indicate that snatch pull training at 70% 1-RM requires comparable rates of force production as 30% 1-RM. Results of this study would be of interest for strength coaches and athletes alike attempting to obtain the proper combination of speed and strength during training.