Kettlebell Snatch

Auto-detected exercise indicatorAuto Detected
Advanced
Home Friendly

Explosive full-body kettlebell lift from swing to overhead lockout, targeting glutes, hamstrings, and core for power, conditioning, and athletic coordination.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

5/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Quads, Forearms, Lats

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Power
Strength
Conditioning
Endurance

Training Style

Weightlifting
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

8/10

Biceps Femoris

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Lower Back

6/10

Erector Spinae

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Traps

6/10

Upper Traps

Quads

5/10

Rectus Femoris

Forearms

5/10

Flexors

Lats

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

5-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, kettlebell on floor centered between feet. Hinge at hips to grip handle with one hand, keeping back neutral and core engaged.

  1. Hinge hips back to swing kettlebell between legs with straight arm.
  2. Explosively drive hips forward and up, keeping kettlebell close to body.
  3. Lead ascent with elbow, maintaining slight bend.
  4. Punch hand through handle at head height to rotate bell.
  5. Lock out overhead with straight elbow and packed shoulder.
  6. Guide descent with hip hinge, absorbing weight in legs.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Snap hips explosively
  • Zip bell to body
  • Punch through handle
  • Pack shoulder down
  • Maintain neutral spine

Breathing

Inhale during backswing, exhale forcefully through hip drive and lockout.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Full hip hinge to backswing; explosive extension to overhead lockout with arm straight, hips and knees fully extended at top.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Master kettlebell swing and clean first
  • Start with light weight
  • Ensure proper wrist rotation to avoid slamming
  • Maintain core brace for spine stability
  • Consult instructor if new to ballistic lifts

Spotting

Not recommended; perform under coach supervision for form checks, use lighter loads for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Pulling with arms
  • Allowing bell to flop on forearm
  • Rounding lower back
  • Loose shoulder at lockout
  • Overextending neck

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strains
  • Wrist or forearm injuries

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Thoracic spine rotation freedom

Build Up First

  • Proficient in kettlebell swing
  • Competent kettlebell clean technique
  • Overhead lockout stability from press

Also known as

KB Snatch, One-Arm Kettlebell Snatch, Single Kettlebell Snatch

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.