In the Med Ball Clean, what is the correct sequence of actions after setup?

• A. Shoulders shrug; then hips extend; then arms pull UNDER.
• B. Hips extend rapidly; then shoulders shrug; then arms pull UNDER to bottom of the squat.
• C. Hips extend slowly; no shrug; arms pull.
• D. Arms lead; hips extend not.

Answer: (B)

The movement relies on energy transfer from the lower body first, then a quick upper-body boost, and finally a fast arm pull under to receive.

Hips extend rapidly to drive the med ball upward, creating the initial power and vertical trajectory. Immediately after, a quick shoulders shrug adds additional lift, capitalizing on the momentum from the hip drive. Finally, the arms pull UNDER to catch the ball at the bottom of the squat, completing the movement with a stable, deep receiving position.

If the shrug comes before the hip extension, momentum is not built from the legs, reducing height and timing. Skipping or delaying the shrug lowers vertical impulse, while pulling with the arms too early disrupts the bar path and makes catching awkward. Leading with the arms or extending slowly breaks the coordinated sequence needed for a clean catch.

So the correct sequence is hips extend rapidly; then shoulders shrug; then arms pull UNDER to bottom of the squat.