By Dr. G. John Mullen, DPT, CSCS – President COR – Sports Training and Physical Therapy
Many colleges and some high school strength programs utilize the clean, a popular Olympic Lifting technique. The clean is a complex movement requiring proper training and biomechanics. Due to the complexity of the movement, some strength coaches do not feel the clean is appropriate for swimmers (or swimmers at specific ages/skills), nonetheless having proper technique is important if the swimming program decides to perform the movement.
The clean to press helps a swimmer learn the technique of the clean to press, by decreasing the weight (having the bar half on the ground) and giving less stability on the bar (holding the edge). Before doing this action, having the swimmer squat and hip hinge properly is key. Make sure these movements are mastered first.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff. All swimming and dryland training and instruction should be performed under the supervision of a qualified coach or instructor, and in circumstances that ensure the safety of participants.