The Oly Encyclopedia 72

Jumping Forward or Backward When Receiving the Bar

For many years there has been discussion in weightlifting literature about whether the lifter should jump forward, jump back or simply jump down when performing the squat under in the squat style. Most lifters simply place the feet sideways relative to their position or jump them back slightly during the pull when they perform the squat under. However, some great champions have either jumped forward an inch or two or backward to even a greater extent while the feet are being replaced. A few lifters have even placed the feet closer in the squat position than during the pull (though this is extremely rare and is generally a mistake). The Soviet analysts tend to encourage only moderate forward or backward motion of the feet during the unsupported phase of the squat under, while some Bulgarian theorists believe that a significant backward displacement of the feet is appropriate because they believe that the bar 18 displaced rearward during a proper execution of the pull.
As a general rule, the less the degree of forward or backward floor movement, the better. Most lifters will experience inconsistency if they move the feet too far forward or backward during the squat under. Moreover, the perceived need to jump forward or backward generally results from a fault during the pull, a fault which causes the weight of the body to be shifted too far towards the front or rear. Every effort should be made to correct such errors. However, in the end, if proper pulling mechanics are employed, the need to place the feet forward or backward relative to their initial position is an individual matter. The key, as Dave Sheppard told me many years ago, is to "go wherever the bar is." If the lifter needs to jump forward or back somewhat in order to receive the bar in a balanced position, then that is what must be done and done appropriately and consistently.