cleans below the knees

[oso0960]

Today I went to the gym to practice my clean technique with 65lbs. I can perfectly do power cleans and squat cleans starting from right above the knee. When i drop the bar just below the knee and lower, it's nearly impossible to do without doing it slowly around the knees. How do you clear the knees explosively while keeping contact with the thighs on the way up and not busting the kneecaps open?

EDIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB-aCN7oT60&feature=related
Look at 0:33, 0:35, 0:37 at the double knee bend. how do you properly execute it?

 

[Sue Me]

Only do Power Cleans, but I'll Bump for you...

 

[fortunatesun]

I should leave these things to the experts but here's something to think about in the meantime...

As it says here, you could be yanking the bar. Clean Pull-http://strengthtraining.asimba.com/fitness_info/exercise179.html

Start with these before going to a full clean. Keep your posture upright as you explode up. You actually want to arch slightly backwards. This will allow you to guide the weight up instead of trying to pull the weight into your body.

Best advice I can give is don't over think it. Start with a light weight just for form and do enough of them so that it becomes instinctive. Then use those small increments to stay on track as you boost your poundage.

I found it helpful to notice the weight distribution on my feet. First phase pull up. You want to be squarely on your heels so you can use your legs to drive the weight up as in a DL. As you notice in the video you linked, driving your hips forward transfers the weight to your toes as the rest of your body becomes involved.

 

[homeslizzle1985]

A couple of things...

1. Don't use straps or belts for Olympic lifts. You are going too heavy if you feel the need to use either on these types of lifts. Olympic lifts are for building power, not strength or mass.

2. It is near to impossible to coach Olympic lifting form via internet/video. Try to find a certified coach in your area and get some in-person help.