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Exercise Comparison

Backward Drag vs Clean from Blocks

Backward Drag - starting position
Backward Drag - ending position
Backward Drag
beginner·Other·compound
Clean from Blocks - starting position
Clean from Blocks - ending position
Clean from Blocks
intermediate·Barbell·compound

Side-by-Side

Backward Drag
VS
Clean from Blocks
beginner
Level
intermediate
Other
Equipment
Barbell
compound
Mechanic
compound
pull
Force
pull
Strongman
Category
Olympic Weightlifting
quadriceps
Primary
quadriceps
calvesforearmsgluteshamstringslower back
Secondary
calvesgluteshamstringsshoulderstraps

Muscle Analysis

Shared

quadricepscalvesgluteshamstrings

Only in Backward Drag

forearmslower back

Only in Clean from Blocks

shoulderstraps

Instructions

Backward Drag

1

Load a sled with the desired weight, attaching a rope or straps to the sled that you can hold onto.

2

Begin the exercise by moving backwards for a given distance. Leaning back, extend through the legs for short steps to move as quickly as possible.

Clean from Blocks

1

With a barbell on boxes or stands of the desired height, take an overhand or hook grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.

2

Begin the first pull by driving through the heels, extending your knees. Your back angle should stay the same, and your arms should remain straight with the elbows pointed out.

3

As full extension is achieved, transition into the receiving position by aggressively shrugging and flexing the arms with the elbows up and out. Aggressively pull yourself down, rotating your elbows under the bar as you do so. Receive the bar in a front squat position, the depth of which is dependent upon the height of the bar at the end of the third pull. The bar should be racked onto the protracted shoulders, lightly touching the throat with the hands relaxed. Continue to descend to the bottom squat position, which will help in the recovery.

4

Immediately recover by driving through the heels, keeping the torso upright and elbows up. Continue until you have risen to a standing position. Return the weight to the boxes for the next rep.

Verdict

Both exercises target the quadriceps. Backward Drag is a beginner exercise using other, while Clean from Blocks is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Backward Drag if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Clean from Blocks for a greater challenge.

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide