USAPL depth check

[MoochieJenkins]

I've been working on depth, I started out squatting first in a smith, then my gym got a rack. I started out with 18" box squats, moved to 12" with 2 25lbs plates, then one plate to just the 12" box. I'd say a few weeks ago, I ditched the boxes and started using a 25lbs plate with a 10lbs ball now 3 weeks ago I switched to an 8 pound ball. I'm looking to practice hitting depth seeing how 4 inches above the hole and 4 inches in it all feels the same to me. I don't have anyone to give me verbal cues so I have to learn by repetition, thus the ball.

I just need to know if this is convincingly deep enough for USAPL/IPF standards. I don't want to get in the habit of having borderline squats. Thanks.

[arian11]

Yes, that is good enough. But how are you going to know how to hit depth when you compete? You won't have a box or ball to tell you when to stop and reverse direction. So you should be practicing free squats now to know what it feels like. Videoing your lifts from the side and then just watch it after you are done. Then you'll know if you need to go lower or are good.

[MoochieJenkins]

It's been hard for me. When I free squat, 4 inches above and in the hold feel the same to me. Video helps but after the fact. So now I'm trying to learn how to hit proper depth the way a wide reviver might know how to run a 10 yard route constantly, practicing with markers until it becomes second nature. I think I'm going to go 4 more weeks with the ball, then remove it. I'm still somewhat learning to squat as well.

[SPFjudge]

Have someone give you an 'up' call for a few workouts to "feel" the depth you need to be at.

[skrebs01]

That looks well below parallel.

[hammerfelt]

It's been hard for me. When I free squat, 4 inches above and in the hold feel the same to me. Video helps but after the fact. So now I'm trying to learn how to hit proper depth the way a wide reviver might know how to run a 10 yard route constantly, practicing with markers until it becomes second nature. I think I'm going to go 4 more weeks with the ball, then remove it. I'm still somewhat learning to squat as well.

Your hamstring crushing against your calves is a good indicator.

[MoochieJenkins]

Have someone give you an 'up' call for a few workouts to "feel" the depth you need to be at.

Thanks a lot everyone, It kind of looked sketchy to me in the videos. I've tried to get up calls before but only 1 guy in my gym at the time knew how to properly gauge depth and he's gone. I'm at a very small commercial gym and I lift late at night.

[IzzyT]

That's much deeper than you need to be to pass in any federation. You could be a few inches higher and still pass even in the USAPL.

[nsurdis]

Killer depth with 5 plates. Good job. I'm jealous of your mobility!

On another question- what's up with the pink socks and yoga pants?

[MoochieJenkins]

Killer depth with 5 plates. Good job. I'm jealous of your mobility!

On another question- what's up with the pink socks and yoga pants?

I had psoriasis on my legs, I didn't want people at the gym thinking it was something they could catch so I covered it up. it's been treated and cleared now but it's still a habit to wear them. I also like them for deadlifting because they protect my legs a bit, scratches on my legs can tend to develop into psoriasis so I like to keep them to a minimum. As far as the socks go, I like being different and I've yet to pick up Oly shoes so I still squat and w/o shoes.