Kettlebell Sport GitHub ↗

Kettlebell Sport

Kettlebell Sport

Introduction

Kettlebell Sport information is difficult to find on the internet, or limited in depth, scope, etc. This is my attempt to collect what I find.

What is Kettlebell Sport?

This is not Hardstyle (Pavel-influended) Kettlebell lifting. Kettlebell Sport is endurance kettlebell lifting where lifters have 10 minutes (or 5 minutes in sprint sets) to complete as many reps as possible without setting the bells down. Efficiency and technique are important to maintain energy throughout set.

Lifts

  • Long Cycle - Clean and Jerk. Commonly performed with 2 kettlebells, but one-arm variants performed for half-marathon and marathon. Abbreviations include: LC (long cycle), TALC (two-arm long cycle), C+J (clean and jerk), OALC (one-arm long cycle).
  • Snatch - Snatch. Performed with one kettlebell. Double-arm variant referred to as Double Snatch.
  • Jerk - Jerk. Commonly performed with 2 kettlebells, but one-arm variants performed for half-marathon and marathon. Abbreviations include: OAJ (one-arm jerk).
  • Double Half-snatch. Performed with two bells. First part of lift is like a double snatch, but after fixation the athlete drops to the rack before the back swing. Abbreviations include: HS (one-arm half-snatch), DHS (two-arm half-snatch).

Equipment

Competition Kettlebells

Youth Competition Kettlebells

Accessories

Belts

Miscellaneous

  • Magnetic Chip Weights - 1KG and 2KG magnetic plates you attach to base of Kettlebell. Allows you to adjust weight in smaller increments than traditional 4KG jumps between bells.
    • The chip weights on a pair of Pro Kettlebells work great. I haven't tried the PBK chip weights on a pair of standard competition bells though. Previously, I wasn't a fan of attachment plates on traditional competition bells, because they shift (or detach) during two-bell sets (unless I would tape them down, but that defeats the easy on/off point of them).
  • Vikn Chalk - High-grade gymnastics/weightlifting chalk. Don't cheap out here. See Kettlebell Prep. (Note: As of Sept 1, 2023 they're back in business!) - (use TCKB for 10% off).
  • Belt sander replacement belt - Used for sanding bell handles. See Kettlebell Prep.
  • Sanding Drum Kit for Drill Presses and Power Drills - Used for quickly prepping new bell handles, or if there's an extensive amount of rust build-up on the handle.
  • DeWalt 3-Tier Steel Garage Storage Shelving Unit - Heavy duty multi-purpose shelf perfect for storing your kettlebells off the floor. Holds 10 competition bells per shelf. Less expensive, and more storage than kettlbell-specific shelves available on the market.
  • Tyr Lifting Shoes - Lifters aren't required in the sport, but I find them beneficial in double bell lifts for the stability. Tyr's are my new favorite weightlifting shoes, though I wore Adidas Adistars and Adipowers for 20+ years. There other options from companies like: Nike, Reebok, No Bull, Do-Win, and Lab of Champions makes GS sport-specific lifters.

Education

Sport Technique Videos

Online Follow-along Classes

Podcasts/Interviews

GPP

Other (Tips, prep, etc)

Programming

Free Programs

Competitions

Coaching

Ranking Tables