Able to front squat but not back squat

Mark Sheldon

Hi all,

I'm struggling massively transitioning to high bar squat due to the mobility requirements however I have no problem whatsoever hitting depth with good form on front squats. With back squats I have a lot of forward lean and the bar ends up over the toes even if the weight is on the heels. My mobility isn't great and I'm addressing the following at the moment: psoas, ankles, general hips, T-spine and lower back. However, it puzzles me I have no problems with any mobility with a front squat but air squats or back squats are such a problem. Does anyone have any ideas why this could be? Obviously no one can know exactly but any ideas to look at specific things would help. I'm guessing it's something to do with my upper back as once the bar gets on my traps everything feels less mobile but I don't suffer when the bars infront (I can front squat in converse or olympic shoes fine). Also, I am 6 foot 3 which makes things harder but I see no reason why I can't eventually hit ATG.

I can post videos if they will help.

Cheers!

David Shen

hmm after reading this:

http://www.t-nation.com/training/squat-mechanics-a-deep-analysis

is that you? mark rippetoe says you should probably be more bent over to engage the hips, versus upright. and what did you mean by depth? are you trying to get ass to heels? i don't think you need to do that.

also a good youtube video on body limb lengths and it's effect on squatting:

Mark Sheldon

Cheers for response but Rippetoe advocates a low bar squat where I'm specifically looking to high bar squat, ie a Olympic style squat so yeah ass to grass or close to it as I'm able.

David Shen

does the youtube video give any insight as to whether you can or cannot get lower? i wish there was a resource somewhere that talks about typical body part lengths/ratios in detail versus just in a model like in the video.

yes why don't you post some videos of yourself. also air squat videos would be helpful as well.