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Barbell Drop Snatch

Olympic weightlifting drill with barbell on upper back, rapidly dropping into overhead squat while punching bar overhead, targeting quads, glutes, shoulders, and upper back for snatch technique and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell

Difficulty

5/5 •

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings

Popularity Score

3

Goals

Power
Stability
Strength

Training Style

Weightlifting
Sports Performance

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

Yes

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Lats

7/10

Triceps

7/10

Long Head, Lateral Head

Traps

6/10

Upper Traps

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis

Hamstrings

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-5 reps

Rest Between Sets

90-180 seconds • Allow full recovery for technique.

How to Perform

Position barbell on upper back in squat rack with snatch grip, feet hip-width in pulling stance, elbows down, core braced.

  1. Drop hips aggressively into deep overhead squat without leg drive.
  2. Simultaneously punch bar overhead, locking elbows fully.
  3. Move feet out to wider squat stance as you descend.
  4. Land with feet stable and bar locked at same instant.
  5. Stabilize in bottom position with tight core.
  6. Stand up tall, keeping bar overhead and torso upright.
  7. Return bar to back or drop safely.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Punch bar aggressively.
  • Lock elbows instantly.
  • Feet land with bar.
  • Core tight throughout.
  • Eyes forward.
  • Drive up explosively.

Breathing

Inhale deeply and brace core before drop; exhale during recovery stand-up.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Drop to full depth where hips are below knees with bar locked overhead; stand to full extension with arms straight.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use light loads only for technique.
  • Ensure overhead squat mobility first.
  • Use bumper plates if dropping bar.
  • Set rack safeties for heavier attempts.
  • Avoid if shoulder or wrist issues present.

Spotting

Use squat rack with pins set at chest height; spotter assists unracking and monitors form, not recommended for heavy drops.

Common Mistakes

  • Insufficient arm lockout causing bar drop.
  • Feet not moving wide enough for stability.
  • Leaning forward in catch.
  • Rushing without control.
  • Poor initial brace leading to collapse.

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Wrist instability
  • Poor overhead mobility

Flexibility Needed

  • Full overhead shoulder flexion
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for deep squat

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in overhead squat
  • Snatch grip comfort
  • Basic snatch pulling stance

Also known as

Drop Snatch, Snatch Drop

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