Power clean novice

[JoeBL]

I haven't been doing the program fully, well I've been excluding Power cleans. Anyway I have been trying to learn them (read the book and watched some Mike Burgener vids on youtube).
My question is that they feel so awkward, picking up the technique for squats and other lifts seemed easy, is it usual to feel like a complete idiot when you first learn Power cleans? My coordination is generally very good, but cleans just seem so much more challenging. Generally how long does it take to become proficient technically?

[RobCor]

Yes, it's normal. The time it takes to become good can vary. Some people pick it up pretty quickly, some people struggle forever because they either have a bad coach or misunderstand the technique.

My best advice is to not practice with a very light weight. No lighter than 95lbs, but I'd say 115lbs+.

[ihatemoney123]

No less than 5000 rep. Preferably more than 10,000.....


I am not kidding. I am being 100% serious.

I say practice with a light weight, preferably just the bar for a while. Get the feeling of it. Practicing with heavier weights is more beneficial when you squat clean.

[Evan: Now With Food]

I say practice with a light weight, preferably just the bar for a while. Get the feeling of it. Practicing with heavier weights is more beneficial when you squat clean.

Speaking from experience, practicing cleans with an empty bar is a good way to hit yourself in the face with the bar. 95lb is a decent starting point.

[ihatemoney123]

Speaking from experience, practicing cleans with an empty bar is a good way to hit yourself in the face with the bar. 95lb is a decent starting point.

I never hit myself with the bar practicing cleans. I have hit my nose and bruised it by practicing snatches without any weight. But then again, the way I practice power cleans and SS-way is probably different.

[Tom Campitelli]

No less than 5000 rep. Preferably more than 10,000.....

I am not kidding. I am being 100% serious..

Yes, if you want to be really, really good at something, it takes lots of reps, no matter what it is. However, in the space of a few weeks, or less than that, you can do some competent cleans.

[ihatemoney123]

Yes, if you want to be really, really good at something, it takes lots of reps, no matter what it is. However, in the space of a few weeks, or less than that, you can do some competent cleans.

I said 5000 to become decently proficient. 10,000+ probably close to 15,000 to become really really really good at it.

Doing 20 reps a day will get you 7200 a year.

[ihatemoney123]

I said 5000 to become decently proficient. 10,000+ probably close to 15,000 to become really really really good at it.

Doing 20 reps a day will get you 7200 a year.

I didn't mean all heavy. I'm just big on technique work lol.

[RRod]

I didn't mean all heavy. I'm just big on technique work lol.

But the technique is easy, my friend! Just deadlift and jump ; )

To the OP:
Yes, they will feel awkward for a while. A coach will help greatly if you can't "get it", as he/she can generally identify your natural problems and give you cues to keep them from becoming ingrained.

Just do lots of reps with smaller weights, and focus on a list of "necessaries", e.g.
.back tight
.arms straight
.patience
.explosion
.fast elbows

Pick one element each day and focus on it; if everything else feels like crap, at least make that one element pretty. GL!

[JoeBL]

Thanks for the help, looks like I need to get the reps in then!