The initial movement of all lifting exercises from the floor is referred to as the starting position. It is also the position in which the athlete should return to when completing each exercise. The main points of the starting position include:

• Feet-hip-width apart with the weight of the body evenly distributed over the base from toe to heel -- the insteps are underneath the bar so that you are close to it.;
  
• Knees -- bent approximately 90 degrees with the seat a little higher than the knee joint;
  
• Back -- maintained in a flat, strong position -- remember that "flat" can be any angle and does not mean vertical;
  
• Hands -- positioned to give the desired leverage and keeping the arms straight;
  
• Shoulders -- above and slightly in front of the barbell;
  
• Head -- in a comfortable position with the eyes looking slightly up.
  

With dynamic position, resistance of the barbell is overcome by the major muscles of the legs and hips while maintaining the back in the Universal Athletic Position.

The Grips
The standard grip is the hook style. In the hook grip, the thumb is placed under the bar with the fingers placed firmly over the top. Grip-width in the snatch is very important. The greatest advantage of the wide grip is the ability of the athlete to retain his or her position under the bar. The use of medium grip is more prevalent in the pressing, pushing, and cleaning exercises.

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