Pull Under Meaning in Weightlifting

The pull under describes the fast movement where a lifter pulls their body down into a squat. This phase occurs immediately after the athlete finishes the upward drive of the barbell with their legs. The athlete uses the bar as an anchor to quickly change direction and drop into the catch. Speed during this transition is the main difference between a successful lift and a failed one in competition. A lifter snaps their hips down to catch the heavy snatch in a deep and stable overhead squat. Mastering this move allows an athlete to lift much more weight than they could pull to their chest. It requires high levels of coordination and the courage to drop under a moving heavy metal barbell.