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Dumbbell Hang Snatch

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Unilateral explosive lift using one dumbbell from the hang position that targets the posterior chain, shoulders, and core to develop power, coordination, and athleticism; ideal for full-body explosive training.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

5/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Calves, Abs, Obliques

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Power
Strength
Conditioning

Training Style

CrossFit
Weightlifting
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

9/10

Biceps Femoris

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Lower Back

7/10

Erector Spinae

Traps

7/10

Upper Traps

Quads

6/10

Rectus Femoris

Calves

5/10

Gastrocnemius

Abs

5/10

Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-8 reps

Rest Between Sets

120-180 seconds • Longer for power focus

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding one dumbbell in one hand at mid-thigh hang position, back flat, chest up, and core braced.

  1. Hinge hips to position dumbbell above knees.
  2. Explosively extend ankles, knees, and hips while shrugging shoulder.
  3. Pull elbow high and outside keeping dumbbell close to body.
  4. Drop under by bending knees slightly to catch overhead.
  5. Lock out arm fully overhead aligned with midline.
  6. Stand tall extending hips and knees fully.
  7. Lower dumbbell controlled back to hang position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive from hips
  • Keep back neutral
  • Shrug aggressively
  • Punch to lockout
  • Stay tight core
  • Jump through heels

Breathing

Inhale deeply to brace core before drive, exhale forcefully during explosive pull and lockout.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

From mid-thigh hang to full overhead lockout with arm extended, hips and knees fully extended at top.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if shoulder or back injuries present
  • Master hinge and press first
  • Start with light weight
  • Engage core to prevent rotation
  • Control descent to avoid strain
  • Consult professional for pre-existing conditions

Spotting

Spot from behind for heavy sets by assisting descent or catch; use safeties or lighter loads for solo training.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding back during hinge
  • Arm-dominant pull
  • Poor overhead alignment
  • Insufficient hip extension
  • Dropping weight uncontrolled
  • Rotating torso unilaterally

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back issues
  • Recent hip or knee surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion
  • Hip hinge mobility
  • Ankle dorsiflexion

Build Up First

  • Proficient hip hinge
  • Overhead press competency
  • Triple extension mechanics

Also known as

DB Hang Snatch, Single-Arm Dumbbell Snatch, One-Hand Hang Snatch

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