Squats are Over-Rated for Athletes

When it comes to training athletes the most overrated exercise is the barbell back squat. It still boggles my mind how much the fitness/coaching industry uses this exercise. Athletes need to be strengthening according to skill execution. The last time I checked there is no ball or ring sport that involves​ an external load on your back, weight shifted to your heels, and moving up and down vertically. Being found in a squat position in front of your opponent can make you out right vulnerable as an athlete. If the barbell squat is a staple in your program for training athletes you are just exercising not training. There are also a whole slew of problems that can arise from over squatting but I'll save that for a later post. Athletes and coaches perform at your own risk.

The info-graph above shows all the great benefits of squatting. On the surface it looks like a great exercise for athletes until you read the fine print. Take a look at the red x in the bottom right hand corner. Athletics are played on a horizontal plane. If you develop all your strength in a vertical plane its basically useless. Watch the video below and take a look at the body position of the two athletes. This is what happens when you find yourself in the squat position against an opponent that brings horizontal force.