Does grip influence isometric force production in competitive weightlifters? A comparison of snatch and clean grips at the starting position and midthigh pull
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the associations between peak force in the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and the isometric starting position pull (ISPP) assessments, using the snatch and clean grip variations, with the snatch and clean and jerk performances. Thirty-two male (n = 19, age: 19.0 ± 1.3 years) and female (n = 13, age: 19.1 ± 2.0 years) competitive weightlifters participated. Weightlifting performance was evaluated as the heaviest successful snatch and clean and jerk during competition. Absolute and relative forces during the ISPP and IMTP with the snatch and clean grips were measured using a force plate system in 2 testing sessions. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to explore any differences between the snatch and clean grips for the ISPP and IMTP positions. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between weightlifting and isometric performance. Weightlifters had a significantly (p ≤ 0.002) lower performance when using the snatch compared with the clean grip during the ISPP and IMTP, with trivial effect sizes (Cohen's g = 0.1). Isometric performance using the snatch and clean grips had very strong to nearly perfect correlations (p < 0.001, r = 0.83–0.96) with weightlifting performance. Fisher's r-z transformation indicated that the differences between correlation coefficients obtained across grip configurations and pull positions were not statistically significant (p > 0.006). The ISPP and IMTP, using the clean or snatch grip, are valuable tools for identifying specific strength deficits and guiding training in weightlifting.
Keywords
monitoring, performance, strength, weightlifting
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
E-ISSN
15334287
ISSN
10648011
PubMed ID
42329046
Publication Title
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Publisher
National Strength and Conditioning Association
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Copyright
subscription content
Recommended Citation
Flores, F. J., Kipp, K., Haff, G. G., Comfort, P., Lama-Arenales, J., Jiménez-Ormeño, E., & Soriano, M. A. (2026). Does grip influence isometric force production in competitive weightlifters? A comparison of snatch and clean grips at the starting position and midthigh pull. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005575