I originally tried front squats due to my lifelong hate of traditional back squats. I’ve always had issues with leaning too far forward when using heavy weights and going deep (and the resulting lower back issues). I fought through the initial shoulder discomfort until my delts were up to speed and have reaped the benefits. I can go a lot deeper on front squats while maintaining perfect form. I get all the posterior chain work I need from deadlifts and its variations. Now that I’ve added overhead squats to my routine, I’ve pretty much relegated back squats to the dust bin. My legs and lower back are much better after the change. If your particular body structure doesn’t allow you to get the full benefit out of back squats I say don’t sweat it. Get rid of them and use a variation that works better for you.
A question for those of you who train the O-lifts:
Do you think that an Oly lifter should emphasize the front squat more or less than the back squat depending on his build? In other words, if you’ve got more of a ‘deadlift’ build [tall, short torso], as I do, should you make the front and overhead squats your numero uno exercise for the development of leg power, setting the back squat on the back burner?
There seem to be varying opinions on this matter, so I’m interested in the range of different experiences.
Do front squats for quads and back squat/deadlift for posterior chain. I have found that you can rest the bar on your collarbone to take some of the load off your wrists.