How to perform Barbell Clean and Jerk with proper form
Setup
- Bar Position: Place the barbell on the floor, close to your shins.
- Foot Placement: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointed out.
- Grip: Use an overhand grip, just outside of your knees.
Clean
- Starting Position: Bend at the hips and knees, keeping your back straight and chest up.
- Lift: Push through your heels, extending your legs and hips while pulling the barbell up close to your body.
- Second Pull: As the bar passes your knees, explosively extend your hips and shrug your shoulders.
- Catch: Rotate your elbows under the bar while dropping your body into a squat position; catch the bar on your shoulders.
Jerk
- Setup for Jerk: Stand up from the squat while keeping the bar resting on your shoulders.
- Dip: Bend your knees slightly, keeping your torso upright.
- Drive: Explosively extend your legs while simultaneously pressing the bar overhead.
- Catch: Lock out your arms, with your head and torso slightly forward, allowing the bar to settle above your head.
Finish
- Stabilize: Stand tall, ensuring your feet are shoulder-width apart.
- Lowering: Carefully lower the barbell back to your shoulders, then to the ground in a controlled manner.
Tips
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout.
- Keep the barbell as close to the body as possible.
- Engage your core for stability.
Follow these steps to perform the barbell clean and jerk safely and effectively.
Exercises

Arnold Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps

Arnold Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps

Around The World, Dumbbell
Type: Core
Target: Shoulders, Chest
Synergist: Back

Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs

Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back

Behind The Neck Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Behind The Neck Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Behind The Neck Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Deadlift High Pull, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Pull
Target: Shoulders, Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Biceps, Forearms, Calves, Back

Face Pull, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back

Front Raise, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Front Raise, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Front Raise, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Front Raise, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Front Raise, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Kettlebell Swing, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Core
Target: Shoulders, Glutes
Synergist: Hamstrings, Chest, Calves

Kettlebell Swing, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Lower, Core
Target: Shoulders, Glutes
Synergist: Hamstrings, Chest, Calves

Lateral Raise, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest