In which position should the knees be during the squat clean?

During the squat clean, proper knee positioning is crucial for maintaining balance, maximizing power output, and ensuring safety throughout the lift. The correct knee position involves tracking outward and aligning with the toes. This alignment helps to distribute weight evenly across the foot, provides stability in the squat position, and promotes effective movement mechanics during the lift.

When the knees track outward, they allow for greater depth in the squat while keeping the hips engaged and the torso upright. This positioning is essential for transitioning smoothly into the receive position of the clean, supporting both the upward drive as the barbell is lifted and the downward squat as the athlete catches the weight.

Additionally, keeping the knees aligned with the toes helps prevent undue stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips, reducing the risk of injury. This fundamental principle is rooted in biomechanics, where proper alignment facilitates optimal force generation and movement efficiency. Consequently, tracking the knees outward, in line with the toes, is the best practice for executing a squat clean effectively and safely.