Common Mistake
Not creating tension between you and the kettlebell(s) before pulling the weight back or up.
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Solution
Create tension between you and the kettlebell(s) so that the arms are straight and if you start pulling you will directly transfer that force into the kettlebell.
Description
If there is no tension between you and the kettlebell(s), then there is slack. If there is slack, then any powerful-fast-explosive pull will first deal with the slack and then the weight (kettlebell). This will result in a violent jerk.
The slack can be present by bending the elbow(s) or wrist(s) and/or squatting down further before pulling which brings the shoulders lower.
This common mistake can occur in anything that starts dead, like a hike back for a clean, swing, or snatch, and especially in a dead clean or dead snatch.
A great drill to fix this mistake for the dead clean or dead snatch is to first slowly deadlift the weight up with the same movement, a squat movement, and then put the weight down to perform the exercise.
A great analogy is to tie a rope around your kettlebell handle, leave some slack, and then pull it up in one fast and explosive movement. You will feel the jerk. Now tighten the rope and do it again, this is exactly what should transfer to the exercises.
In the following video, I demonstrate the rope analogy..
Related Video
Related Exercises
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