Common Mistakes
Pulling the weight with the arm(s)
Pulling the weight up with the arm(s) rather than the muscles in the legs that are supposed to power the kettlebell clean.
No scapula activation
The scapulae are not active, the upper back is rounded, and the shoulders are falling forward.
Elbow disconnected in racking due to tension
The elbow is disconnected from the body in the racking position because everything is tight and tense.
Going faster than intended (drill)
Completing the exercise fast without breaking it down and focussing on the important parts of this drill.
The elbow is not directly under the weight
Not placing or keeping the elbow directly under the weight which also results in the wrist bending.
Not gripping tight
The grip on the handle is loose or sweaty and the kettlebell easily slips to either side.
Not holding the handle in the middle
The grip on the kettlebell is everywhere but exactly in the middle of the handle.
Not keeping the weight above the elbow
At the start of the movement the weight is resting on the biceps or anywhere else other than right above the elbow.
Not straightening the arm when overhead
The elbow is still bent and the arm is not straightened once the weight is overhead.
Doing too many reps and transferring work to other joints
Performing more reps than the body is conditioned to handle and the work is then shared by adding other joints like those in the legs or spine.