Thoughts on Anderson Squats for Deadlift

Bigger Stronger Leaner Christian Thibaudeau Coaching
1

I’ve been looking into Anderson squats as an acsessorie for my Deadlifts.
Suggestions?

2

Actually these are a better deadlift assistance movement than a squat assistance movement. I find that it can actually hurt squat mechanics but it is very specific to the deadlift. Works best if you are using the low bar squat technique.

3

How low would you recommend starting from, if deadlifting was your priority?

Thighs parallel to ground like a squat or higher, trying to start in your deadlift starting position?

thanks CT

4

I would use 2 different positions (on 2 different days)…

  • same angle as your deadlift starting position

  • if tyou are weak off the floor, the second position is slightly lowert than you deadlift start position, if your weak point is higher then start at a the knee angle you would have when the bar reaches the knees

5

I’m curious why you think this. Not that I don’t believe you, it makes sense because of the starting positions, but what about the squat mechanic do you think gets altered?

6

It’s the lack of eccentric/concentric transition… I once did an experiment with the bench press. Training it from pins only, using various heights… my bench press from pins increased a lot, up to 425lbs from the bottom position. But my actual bench press went down from 425 to 365!!!

I’m not saying that they don’t have a place, but it’s far from being a magic bullet even though the theory sounds tempting. Do not forget that Anderson was a natural squatter with perfect squatting levers.

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7

Thanks for the insight! They are an interesting assistance movement, I’m sure I’ll give them a go at some point to see if I produce any results.