Snatch Definition

Compared across 5 organizations. Snatch Rules category.

Rule Text by Organization

GSU Girevoy Sport Union

A single kettlebell is swung using one hand in a continuous movement from between the knees upward into the overhead position, achieving overhead lockout with fixation. Fixation is achieved when the kettlebell is in the overhead position and the arm, legs, and trunk are straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body.

IKMF International Kettlebell Marathon Federation

A single kettlebell is swung using one hand from below the waist to above the head in a single motion, achieving overhead lockout with fixation. The repetition starts from below the waist.

IKSFA International Kettlebell Sport & Fitness Academy

A single kettlebell is swung using one hand from between the knees to above the head in a single continuous motion, achieving overhead lockout with fixation. Both men and women perform snatch with 1 kettlebell.

IKO International Kettlebell Organization

A single kettlebell is swung using one hand from between the knees to above the head in a single motion, achieving overhead lockout with fixation.

IUKL International Union of Kettlebell Lifting

The athlete swings the kettlebell in one continuous movement upward from between the knees into the overhead position and fixates. Fixation is achieved when the kettlebell is in the overhead position and the arm, legs, and trunk are straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body.

Comparison Analysis

Snatch is consistently defined as swinging the kettlebell from below in one continuous motion to overhead fixation. Key differences are in hand change rules and double variants.

Hand change rules

IUKL/IKSFA/IKO: one hand change allowed in 10-minute set. IKMF/IKLF: unlimited hand switches. GSU: one hand change (following IUKL).

Double snatch

IKMF offers "Half Snatch" (double KB). IKO offers "Double Half Snatch." IKLF includes double snatch. Others focus on single KB snatch.

Rack contact

IKO/GSU explicitly prohibit the kettlebell from touching or resting at the rack/shoulder position during snatch.

What All Organizations Agree On

  • All define snatch as one continuous motion from below to overhead
  • Fixation required at the top position
  • Single KB snatch is the standard format
Most Strict: IUKLOnly one hand change, strict continuous motion, traditional format
Most Lenient: IKLFUnlimited hand switches, doubles available, athlete picks KB weight

Athlete Impact: Hand change strategy is critical: under IUKL/IKO/IKSFA you get ONE switch, so timing it is essential. Under IKMF/IKLF, you can switch freely, which fundamentally changes pacing strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Girevoy Sport Union (GSU) define snatch definition?

A single kettlebell is swung using one hand in a continuous movement from between the knees upward into the overhead position, achieving overhead lockout with fixation. Fixation is achieved when the kettlebell is in the overhead position and the arm, legs, and trunk are straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body.

How does International Kettlebell Marathon Federation (IKMF) define snatch definition?

A single kettlebell is swung using one hand from below the waist to above the head in a single motion, achieving overhead lockout with fixation. The repetition starts from below the waist.

How does International Kettlebell Sport & Fitness Academy (IKSFA) define snatch definition?

A single kettlebell is swung using one hand from between the knees to above the head in a single continuous motion, achieving overhead lockout with fixation. Both men and women perform snatch with 1 kettlebell.

How does International Kettlebell Organization (IKO) define snatch definition?

A single kettlebell is swung using one hand from between the knees to above the head in a single motion, achieving overhead lockout with fixation.

How does International Union of Kettlebell Lifting (IUKL) define snatch definition?

The athlete swings the kettlebell in one continuous movement upward from between the knees into the overhead position and fixates. Fixation is achieved when the kettlebell is in the overhead position and the arm, legs, and trunk are straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body.

See the interactive comparison on KETTLEBELL MONSTER™ for filterable views and more detail.

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