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Kettlebell Swing Clean

Intermediate
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Explosive hip hinge transitioning kettlebell from swing to rack position, targeting glutes, hamstrings, and core for power, strength, and conditioning; builds on basic swing with added control.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Quads, Lats, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

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

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

8/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Lower Back

6/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Quads

4/10

Rectus Femoris

Lats

4/10

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

5-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Place kettlebell on floor a foot in front of you. Stand feet hip-width apart, hinge at hips to grip handle with one hand, back flat, shoulders packed.

  1. Hike kettlebell back between legs, hinging hips deeply while keeping spine neutral.
  2. Explode hips forward, extending knees to drive kettlebell upward, arm guiding only.
  3. Pull elbow back close to body as kettlebell rises to chest height.
  4. Rotate hand and punch through to catch in rack position against forearm and bicep.
  5. Cast kettlebell forward gently to descend into next backswing.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive with hips, not arms.
  • Keep bell close to body.
  • Punch through hand to rack.
  • Maintain neutral spine.
  • Squeeze glutes at top.

Breathing

Inhale during backswing and brace core; exhale forcefully during hip drive and extension.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Hinge hips until torso near parallel, extend fully at top; kettlebell travels vertically to rest in rack at chest without looping out.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain present
  • Master basic swing first
  • Use light weight to learn technique
  • Ensure clear space for ballistic motion
  • Engage core to prevent arching

Spotting

Not typically needed; partner can monitor form and catch if grip fails in advanced sets.

Common Mistakes

  • Banging forearm with bell
  • Swinging arms instead of hips
  • Rounding back during hinge
  • Looming bell away from body
  • Hyperextending spine at top

When to Avoid

  • Lower back injury
  • Wrist instability
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Hip hinge range
  • Shoulder flexion for rack
  • Ankle dorsiflexion

Build Up First

  • Proficient hip hinge
  • Basic kettlebell swing
  • Grip strength for transitions

Also known as

Kettlebell Clean Swing, Swing Clean, KB Rack Swing

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