Today, we'll take a look at proper techniques that should be used when performing the Barbell Squat. 
The coaching points will be provided by University of Florida Strength & Conditioning Coach, Mickey Marotti. The Gators, winners of national championships in both football and men's basketball this year, have been doing a lot of things right.....including the barbell squat. Here's the proper techniques. I'll preface this by informing you that the first thing that they do is to use wooden sticks...like broom sticks....and they perform an overhead squat, in order to best view the ankle, knee and hip flexibility.
- feet a little bit wider than shoulder-width apart
- toes slightly pointed outward
- When using the stick....stick straight up overhead, behind the ears...arms locked out
- hold the stick with a "snatch" grip
- slowly descend, with the hips going back first
- try to keep the knee behind the toe
- back flat
- chest up
- chin...up high
- try to descend to where the quads are parallel to the ground
- slow down!
- pause at the bottom
- drive up slow!
Once the athlete has shown proper form and technique in this aspect, Coach Marotti then has the athlete progress to performing front squats. He feels that this helps the "bend-ability" of the athlete. After the athlete shows progress being made on this exercise...then he will finally have the athlete perform the regular barbell squat....all using the same coaching points explained above.
ASAP Athletic Strength And Power wishes to thank Coach Mickey Marotti for today's coaching points.
All Rights Reserved Copyright 2007 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com blogpost by Ed Cicale
