The Zercher is initiated with a deadlift so that the bar is just above the knees.  Care should be taken so that the bar does not rest on the bony part of the knee, but the muscles of the lower thigh.  The bar is balanced at this point and then the lifter will slowly begin to squat down and slip the bar into the crook of the elbows.  Once the bar is secured the lifter then stands up to complete the lift. 

    Once in the top position the lifter can do somewhat of a modified front squat, which of course is very challenging from this position!  As noted above, this is a good training lift for rock lifting, basically because it mimics the movements of lifting a heavy rock.  If you've ever seen someone lift the famous Inver stone, most people need to balance the rock on their knees before continuing with the rock in the crook of their arms.  The thick bar recommended above is also a great way to go with this lift because with heavy weights the grip is taxed with the initial part, and the additional width of the bar makes it easier on the forearms once the bar is moved into the crook of the elbow. 

  There is a variation on this lift in which the bar is lifted completely off the floor with the crook of the elbow.  Frankly, this is a different lift, and quite a bit more difficult because of the flexibility required.  Another option is for the lifter to start on their knees, and slip the bar into the crook of the elbow from this position.