USAWA

Timo, USAWA Rule Book allows a maximum of shoulder width on the Pullover-Straight Arm. We’re doing this same lift at the Nationals, June 29&30 in Lebanon,PA. I’m electing to lower bar to platform first vs. starting from the platform: which is allowed. Think,”Would I rather Squat dead, out of the bottom position or lower myself to load up some tension then, Squat?”
I ain’t going to try to tell you how to Vertical Bar Deadlift – 1 Arm, 2″, One Hand!! You should be teaching me what to do!!
The Continental Snatch is pretty liberal in regards to grip:”Hand spacing and grip are of the lifter’s choosing and may be altered on the bar during the lift. The hands may be removed from the bar during the lift.” Looks to me that when you put the bar overhead make sure it does not stop, touch the head or get pressed out. Al or someone could correct me on this hint…hint.
I’d do most of my Trap Bar Deadlifts standing on a 2-3″(5-7.5cm) block/platform to build leg drive off the floor.
Don’t use a kettlebell training for the Clean and Jerk – Dumbbell, One Arm. The Center of Gravity is lower and therefore much easier than a dumbbell. Probably warming up with a Barbell then doing your main workout with a dumbbell would help you get a stronger drive from an easier to balance implement.
You freakishly strong Lats will help you stay upright(if you use them) on Squats. Seems like the stronger my Lats are the easier I stay upright. Warm up with 1″ below parallel Box Squats. Don’t sit far back like the suited lifters. Your Box Squats should mimic your Squats NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!If at any point during my Squatting I feel I’m not quite deep enough, I’ll bring the box back out and Squat down to the box for the next set just to keep myself honest. Better to get a rude awakening at the gym than @ the WORLDS!!
When I learn to Clean & Press my bodyweight, then I will have earned the right to give advice!! Good luck!! Ask more questions if you like.
If anyone sees that I flubbed up the rules PLEASE CORRECT ME!! Let’s all be on the same page.

here’s a video of a Continental Snatch:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EoSI2hLqOsw
I believe you can get it to the belt using any grip you want.

Timo,

Let me give you an answer to the stiff arm pullover as defined by the IAWA(UK) rules. I’ve promised myself that I won’t bash the lift rules being used in IAWA competitions anymore (worlds and the Gold Cup), so I’ll try to be diplomatic in my answer. I still feel bothered by what happened to you at the Gold Cup with your fingers deadlift. It is totally unacceptable for the rule book to be so unclear that a lifter is not fully informed of the lift rules (and infractions) by reading the rulebook. There should not be any “unwritten” rules to any lift – and if there are they need to be corrected soon after they are brought to attention.

Now back to the stiff arm pullover –

The IAWA(UK) rules DO NOT specify anything as it applies to width of grip. The USAWA calls this lift the straight arm pullover, and does specify a shoulder width grip as a maximum width of grip to prevent someone from taking a “collar to collar” grip to aide the lift by shortening the range of motion. (now don’t be surprised if this is NOT allowed on meet day at the IAWA Worlds – one should know the unwritten rules – said with sarcasm).

Also, the USAWA rulebook has this line in it that the IAWA(UK) rulebook DOES NOT “The bar may be held above the body and lowered to the platform prior to the start of the lift. However, the bar must be paused on the platform prior to receiving a command from the official to begin the lift”. But IAWA allows this also with this lift – as a prior precedent in past IAWA World Championships (2009) have supported. But like any “unwritten” rule – it may be changed on a whim and not allowed at this world championships (more sarcasm) since it is not specified in the rulebook. Hope this helps (but probably just confused the issue instead!). Al