Analysis of Record Scores in the Clean and Its Variations in the Long-Term Training of Young Weightlifters

ABSTRACT Szyszka, P and Czaplicki, A. Analysis of record scores in the clean and its variations in the long-term training of young weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2383-2388, 2021-The main objectives of this study were to determine the time trajectories of record scores in the clean lift (C) and its derivatives achieved by young weightlifters in a 2-year training cycle and to estimate the quantitative relationships between these scores. The study involved 17 weightlifters who were tested 7 times at 3-month intervals. The computations were based on an individual growth curve approach. The study found statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) in record scores between consecutive measurements until the last measurement for the hang clean (HC), the second to last measurement for the C, and the fourth measurement for the power clean (PC) and the hang power clean (HPC). The overall mean ratios of the record scores in the C to those in the HC, PC, and HPC were approximately constant and amounted to 0.96, 0.89, and 0.80, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between individual time trajectories of record scores in the C and its derivatives were also identified in the 2 consecutive annual training macrocycles. The results suggest that the long-term analysis of record scores in the C and its derivatives can be useful in assessing athletes' sport level, in predicting their performance, and in proper exercise selection in the training of young weightlifters.