The Clean and Jerk

In the most common variation of the clean and jerk, the athlete receives the load in a full front squat, then uses the split position in the jerk. For most athletes, these positions allow for the greatest loads to be lifted. During the clean, the athlete must pull the weight only as high as needed to move into the bottom of the squat. During the split jerk, the torso can remain vertical while demanding less shoulder and thoracic flexibility than a squat or power jerk. 

To learn more about human movement and the CrossFit methodology, visit CrossFit Training.