Few Technique Questions

Bigger Stronger Leaner Powerlifting & Strength Sports
1

A few things have been buzzing in my head lately. I figured maybe some of you vets could give your input with.

  1. Should feet ideally be pointing straight ahead when squatting and cleaning? Or should feet be turned out slightly? And is there any advantage or disadvantage to either?

  2. Shoulders over, behind or right on top of the bar? I’ve been hearing conflicting things on the subject.

And finally For any tall lifters out there. Any tips for remaining vertical in the back squat?

Thanks in advance. And sorry if these questions are remedial.

2

I’m 6’3", 34in inseam. So fairly tall and long limbed. You don’t need to stay “vertical.” You do want to stay very upright. Chances are you need to really loosen up your hips and ankles, strengthen you back.

Shoulders need to stay over the bar as long as possible.

Feet should be pointed out slightly when squatting. I’ve seen people clean with both toes straight ahead and slightly pointed out. My coach tries to figure out which way you are strongest.

3

[quote]nkklllll wrote:
I’m 6’3", 34in inseam. So fairly tall and long limbed. You don’t need to stay “vertical.” You do want to stay very upright. Chances are you need to really loosen up your hips and ankles, strengthen you back.

Shoulders need to stay over the bar as long as possible.

Feet should be pointed out slightly when squatting. I’ve seen people clean with both toes straight ahead and slightly pointed out. My coach tries to figure out which way you are strongest. [/quote]

Thanks Nkk. Your about my height.
I really appreciate you answering those questions for me.
As for the shoulders over the bar is that even at the start position?

4

[quote]flightposite wrote:

[quote]nkklllll wrote:
I’m 6’3", 34in inseam. So fairly tall and long limbed. You don’t need to stay “vertical.” You do want to stay very upright. Chances are you need to really loosen up your hips and ankles, strengthen you back.

Shoulders need to stay over the bar as long as possible.

Feet should be pointed out slightly when squatting. I’ve seen people clean with both toes straight ahead and slightly pointed out. My coach tries to figure out which way you are strongest. [/quote]

Thanks Nkk. Your about my height.
I really appreciate you answering those questions for me.
As for the shoulders over the bar is that even at the start position?[/quote]

I think that depends on the lifter. Or the style of pull that the coach is teaching. My coach has me start with my shoulders over the bar but i’ve seen other lifters who start with their shoulders directly in line.

I’d say experiment a little bit, but my best guess is that starting with the shoulders over the bar would probably be better for us taller, long limbed guys.

5

Thanks again nkk.

6

Usually forward in pull, out in catch. The positioning over bar partly depends on levers/mobility etc. do some pause work on squats and maybe clean grip ohs with some pauses in the bottom too (empty bar/very light!)

7

[quote]Charlietr wrote:
Usually forward in pull, out in catch. The positioning over bar partly depends on levers/mobility etc. do some pause work on squats and maybe clean grip ohs with some pauses in the bottom too (empty bar/very light!)[/quote]

Thanks Charlietr. I’ll work on some of these tips you guys have provided me. I really appreciate All the advice.