What is the appropriate bar placement for performing a clean?

For performing a clean, the appropriate initial bar placement is that it should rest against the shins at the start of the lift. This position allows the athlete to establish a strong and stable starting position before initiating the lift. When the bar is positioned against the shins, it ensures that the lifter is in the proper alignment with their hips and shoulders, optimizing leverage and power generation as they transition to pulling the bar upwards.

When the bar is against the shins, it keeps the lifter's center of gravity properly aligned and allows for an efficient upward motion as the clean progresses. This positioning is crucial for maintaining balance and control throughout the lift, as it connects the lifter's body to the barbell effectively.

Ensuring that the bar starts in this position helps prevent common errors such as lifting with the arms too early or having the bar drift away from the body, both of which can compromise the lift and lead to poor technique or injury.