A press-out happens when a lifter catches a weight with bent elbows and then straightens them. Official rules state that the arms must lock into a straight position the moment the bar reaches the top. If the joints bend and then extend, the referees will rule the entire lift as a failure. The athlete received a no-lift decision due to a clear press-out during the overhead snatch. Avoiding this mistake requires a very fast and aggressive punch toward the ceiling with the hands. Lifters practice their timing to ensure the elbows snap into place at the exact same time.