Which correction addresses letting the elbows flare during the pull or transition?

• A. Have the athlete keep the elbows away from the ribcage throughout the movement.
• B. Have the athlete keep the elbows close to the ribcage throughout the movement.
• C. Let the elbows flare to assist the transition.
• D. Rotate the shoulders to initiate the transition.

Answer: (B)

Elbow position during the pull and transition is the focus here. Keeping the elbows close to the ribcage throughout the movement helps maintain shoulder stability and lets the lats drive the motion, yielding a shorter, more controlled bar path and a smoother transition. When the elbows flare, the shoulder blade loses stability, the chest takes over, and the movement becomes less efficient and more stressful on the shoulder. So the best cue is to keep the elbows hugged in, which directly addresses the issue of elbow flare. Allowing the elbows to flare to assist the transition promotes the bad pattern and can lead to shoulder strain. Turning the shoulders to initiate the transition misses the point on elbow control and can misalign the mechanics; keeping the elbows tight is the most direct, effective correction.