During which part of the lift does USAW see the highest injury risk associated with strap use?

The receiving position is identified as having the highest injury risk associated with strap use because this is the moment during the lift when the athlete must stabilize the barbell overhead after it has been propelled upwards. In this phase, the lifter transitions from momentum generated by the pull to a stable position, which requires a high degree of control, balance, and proper alignment.

When straps are used, they can encourage a false sense of security, leading athletes to neglect proper technique or over-rely on the straps to hold the bar. This can result in the barbell being positioned incorrectly or shifting unexpectedly, increasing the risk of loss of control, which can lead to wrist, shoulder, or back injuries. Additionally, the receiving position often places significant stress on the joints, and if an athlete is not prepared to react appropriately to stabilize the weight due to reliance on straps, the risk of injury escalates.

In contrast, other phases such as preparation, pushing, or cooldown do not involve the same dynamic transitions or stresses that occur in the receiving position, leading to lower injury risk during those stages. The receiving position's critical balance and stability requirements, combined with the potential for improper technique with straps, make it the phase associated with the highest injury risk.