Hang "squat" clean

Yesterday we did hang cleans, tomorrow we are doing power cleans. Let's discuss the terminology...

Everyone knows the basics: hang- start with the bar at the waist, power- catch the bar in a squat above parallel (we often say "in a partial squat.") This is new to many of us: when hang is prescribed and power is not mentioned, we are to assume it is the squat version of the lift. (hang squat clean = hang clean)

Here is where things get tricky... CrossFit invented the terminology "squat" clean/snatch. "Squat" (in this context) is only relevant in a competition where the range of motion must be standard. In training, the full lifts (snatch and clean) are most often performed; power versions of the lifts are often done to focus on a particular aspect or as a deload (as you cannot move as much weight.) 

When hang clean is prescribed, I often get the question, "Do I have to go all the way in my squat?" I usually say yes, as I understand that athlete to only be asking about the range of motion. But the more precise and nuanced answer is "you should go as low as you need to go to catch the weight." For instance, at 65% of 1RM you may be able to perform a power clean, at 95% you cannot (assuming technical proficiency.) 

(assuming technical proficiency) is a very important point. You should be able to clean more than you can power clean. Is this not the case? We have to figure out why- is the problem your stand, jump, catch or some combination of the three? 

If you need more one on one coaching in your Olympic lifts and want to sign up for a private session, let me know.