Head Position for Squat & Deadlift?

Bigger Stronger Leaner Powerlifting & Strength Sports
1

I am a bit confused with my head positioning when I squat or deadlift for powerlifting. From the “So you think you can squat” series, Matt Wenning said to tilt my head back (looking slightly up) to tighten my upperback so it wont round over and it will encourage my lower back to stay tight. However, when watching other powerlifters like Dan green squatting and deadlifting I saw that they tend to have a more neutral head position which you will look at the floor around 10 feet away from you. Which tip should I follow for my training, currently I look up slightly and felt that I can lift my chest up a lot better but will it be dangerous for my spine? Thank you.

2

Just do whats comfortable for you then, thats the reason Dan does that or any other elite lifter. As long as it isnt throwing your form off and you arent like craning your neck towards the ceiling it will be alright, I look slightly up when I squat and about neutral when I deadlift and thats just what feels best for me.

3

[quote]cparker wrote:
Just do whats comfortable for you then, thats the reason Dan does that or any other elite lifter. As long as it isnt throwing your form off and you arent like craning your neck towards the ceiling it will be alright, I look slightly up when I squat and about neutral when I deadlift and thats just what feels best for me.[/quote]

Thanks a lot cparker, I normally looks straight forward when I squat or deadlift and I felt most comfortable that way compared to neutral head position. I just wanted to know if there are any risks of injury doing that as I had a slipped disc before deadlifting so I didn’t know if this is the case.

4

[quote]cparker wrote:
Just do whats comfortable for you then, thats the reason Dan does that or any other elite lifter. As long as it isnt throwing your form off and you arent like craning your neck towards the ceiling it will be alright, I look slightly up when I squat and about neutral when I deadlift and thats just what feels best for me.[/quote]

This. I look straight ahead with head back for squats and look up as I go down. I think my head position is neutral for deadlifts. I certainly don’t look up.