Elbows go Where?

You did your clean. You rose from the rock bottom of the front squat up to standing. Now, where do you put your elbows to set yourself up to jerk the bar overhead?

You have two choices: elbows down or elbows forward. That’s right. You can jerk from either of those positions. Do a video search of the top lifters and you will see that there is plenty of elbows down and plenty of elbows up.

What does this mean for us? It means try it both ways and see which one you like. Try driving the barbell up from the front rack position. Try driving the barbell up when you have your elbows down (actually slightly forward). Experiment. Watch other people. Don’t be afraid to switch.