Overhead Swings

This week I got Mike Boyles "Functional Strength Coach 3.0" and like all of Mikes information products it was excellent! There is so much information in this product and as I watch the videos I am sure I will have more info to write about as it relates to kettlebells.

On the strength training updates video Mike has finally come to a very logical conclusion and is now including KB's into his power training for his athletes. Mike makes special mention of the KB swing and how easy it is to learn, and it;s benefits in developing explosive hips, and also the swings positive "eccentric" effect. I could not agree more, but then Mike goes on to say that the swing should be taken as high as possible over head, his point if you snatch overhead then why not swing overhead?

In my opinion and this is only my opinion.

KB Swings overhead brings the shoulders into play to much and takes away the power focus from the hips. The swing is to be delivered by the hips and the arms are to act as ropes and the hands as hooks.

When a person performs a Snatch the bicep is supposed to line up with the ear at the top of the snatch, and the elbow also stays straight, when a person swings overhead the shoulders are forced into excessive internal rotation at the top of the swing, (at least in my mind they are), which could cause shoulder impingement.

The Snatch and the swing are two different exercises that are similar but will have different results on your strength and conditioning, perform them Hard Style and enjoy the PAIN!