Split Snatch at 2017 National Masters

[PatrickBaldwin]

2017 National Masters Weightlifting Championships - Day 2 - Red Platform - YouTube

Coach Rip,
In 2013, I found the YouTube videos of you and Tommy Suggs teaching the split snatch. I've used these videos as my coach and learned the technique. The link above is a 95k 3rd attempt at the 8:11:00 video time.
I weighed in heavy and had to compete as M50, 94k. Sn: 85,90,95 CJ: 113,117,120 Total: 215k at BW 88.5 Silver Medal.
Just wanted to say thanks.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Nice job, but I see some quick improvements that can be made.

[Jonathon Sullivan]

Excellent. The split snatch is such a beautiful movement. Good to see it in use in competition.

[PatrickBaldwin]

Nice job, but I see some quick improvements that can be made.

2017 National Masters Weightlifting Championships - Day 2 - Red Platform - YouTube
2017 National Masters Weightlifting Championships - Day 2 - Red Platform - YouTube

1st and 2nd attempts.

I seldom have a coach's eye watching my lifts and appreciate feedback.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Start with your hips a little higher, and squeeze your low back into a tighter arch.

[PatrickBaldwin]

Start with your hips a little higher, and squeeze your low back into a tighter arch.

The higher hip set up feels stronger off the floor and is how I initially learned the movement. Until I was coached into the low hip/vertical back set up. Which initially felt horrible, but was reassured it's because "you're weak in that position".
Seems to me that the hips and back are at exactly the same angles when the bar gets to the knees, regardless of start position.

I didnt realize I was losing my back arch. Thanks again.

[Mark Rippetoe]

The higher hip set up feels stronger off the floor and is how I initially learned the movement. Until I was coached into the low hip/vertical back set up. Which initially felt horrible, but was reassured it's because "you're weak in that position".

Of course you were coached that way, because that is the American Olympic weightlifting dogma. It felt stronger off the floor because it is stronger off the floor. And stronger off the floor enables the acceleration to accumulate over a longer ROM.

[Jonathon Sullivan]

Seems to me that the hips and back are at exactly the same angles when the bar gets to the knees, regardless of start position.

Perhaps it seems that way, but you're failing to account for Secret Hidden Mystery Levers.

[Mark Rippetoe]

And a lot happens between the floor and the knees, if you make it possible.

[MWittmer]

Congrats, nice lifting.