The Art of Calling Attempts in Competition

In Olympic weightlifting, coaching doesn’t stop in the backroom on the warm-up platform. In competition the coach’s role shifts to strategy, timing, and informed decision-making. Few things separate great coaches from average ones more than their ability to call attempts. We are just returning from the Virus Series 2 and Texas-Oklahoma WSO Championship, the atmosphere is electric and the margin for error can be razor-thin. One good call can earn an athlete a podium spot; one poor decision can cost them the total.

Set Simple, Objective Based Goals

Every athlete will need to understand the purpose of why they are competing. Setting a goal that is reflective of their progress in the sport is absolutely paramount.

Training Age

You may of heard of the notion of Athletic Training Age, which is a way to gauge how much development or time an athlete has been…. well training. At Austin Barbell we also track “Competitive Age” which is what we consider the expertise level of competitor. Competing is a skill in itself and it takes reps on the platform in order to build the competitive acumen, confidence and rigor.

Competition Goals by Athlete Level

Athlete Level	Primary Goals
Beginner (First Timer)	Easy openers, go 6/6 and make all lifts. Gain competition experience and confidence Learn rules, weigh-in process, and flow of the meet Focus on consistency and routine Most importantly have fun!
Intermediate	Secure a solid total, push boundries beyond training Begin pushing for competition PRs if conditions are right Refine attempt selection strategy and time management Start factoring in competition placement
Advanced	Maximize total for qualification or podium placement Out-strategize competitors with precise attempt calling Balance risk vs reward for national/international standards Chase personal records only if they align with bigger goals

For a first-time competitor, the goal should always be to go 6-for-6 and absorb every lesson the platform has to offer. Why?

Because the first meet should not be about medals or PRs, it’s about building confidence, learning the rhythm of competition, and walking away with a positive experience. A clean sweep of six successful lifts engrains good attempt selection, reinforces consistent technique under pressure, and sets the tone for future growth in the sport. Missing lifts too early in an athlete’s career can create unnecessary anxiety, while making them all builds momentum that carries into training and the next competition. At Austin Barbell, we see that first meet as a foundation-laying moment, not a final exam.

Other goals to consider are qualification totals and stepping stones to bigger meets. But let’s get something straight, most lifters, especially first-timers, believe they’ll “rise to the occasion” and magically hit numbers they’ve never achieved in training. That’s fantasy, not strategy. The platform doesn’t give you superpowers; it exposes your weaknesses and validates training. If you can’t a specific lift in training, odds are you won’t make it under bright lights with a clock ticking and three judges staring at you. A good coach knows this and sets goals that are realistic, progressive, and tied to the bigger picture, qualifiers, consistency, and building trust in the process.

“A vision without a strategy remains an illusion”

— Lee Bolman

The Do’s of Calling Attempts

Do	Why It Matters
Know Your Athlete	Every lifter has tendencies. Attempt calls should reflect the athlete, not the coach’s ego.
Open Conservatively	First attempts should build confidence and rhythm, not test limits.
Track the Clock & Cards	Timing and declarations can make or break recovery and momentum.
Plan, But Stay Flexible	Adjust to warm-ups and competition flow — balance structure with adaptability.
Protect the Total	A secure total always comes before chasing PRs.
Understand your athlete and competitors attempt reach	Overall attempt reach is the planned ceiling across all six attempts that maximizes expected total given your current form and success probabilities. Practically, anchor it to verified training data from the last 4–6 weeks: recent best singles, make-rates by intensity, and consistent bar-speed trends.

The Don’ts of Calling Attempts

Don’t	Why It Hurts
Get Greedy	Calling flashy numbers for clout can sabotage your athlete’s total.
Ignore Body Language	Bar speed, posture, and breathing reveal readiness more than words.
Panic Under Pressure	Coaches who lose composure pass stress straight onto the athlete.
Over-Coach on Stage	By competition time, cues should be simple — too much talk distracts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Better Approach
Forgetting the rules	Always know the rulebook and make declarations on time.
Failing to communicate	Keep the athlete in the loop on attempt strategy.
Doubling-down on failed openers	If an athlete misses an opener, have a strategy or process and avoid calling bigger attempts.
Overlooking recovery time	Factor the clock into attempt jumps to protect rest periods.
Not scouting competitors	Do your research and understand the capabilities of competitors.

Final Thoughts

At meets like Virus Series 2, attempt calling is where coaching skill is tested. The best coaches aren’t just technicians in the gym; they’re tacticians and strategists on the competition floor. By sticking to the fundamentals, protecting the total, respecting the athlete capabilities, and making smart, timely calls, you give your athletes the best chance to succeed when it counts.

At Austin Barbell, we build competitors. If you want more and are ready to step onto the platform with a clear plan, proven strategy, and coaches who know how to get you there, then it’s time to join us. Whether you’re a first-time competitor or chasing national-level totals, Austin Barbell will guide you every step of the way.