Are front squats worth it?

[theFutureD]

Does the lift really help with getting better at quickness, strength etc in a respectable time (6-8 weeks) etc?

Also.. how to get in the clean position for the front squat? Should the bar be positioned just below the neck?

Thanks

[DCSpartan]

Dan John likes them.

Quickness doesnt happen from lifting weights though.

I use wrist straps, hold it in a clean position, maybe lift a finger or two to get it real tight so I feel some pressure on my neck when I am at the bottom.

[krakkerz]

Does the lift really help with getting better at quickness, strength etc in a respectable time (6-8 weeks) etc?

Also.. how to get in the clean position for the front squat? Should the bar be positioned just below the neck?

Thanks

In my opinion, they are a more useful exercise for advanced athletes than the back squat. To improve in the front squat, you have to get stronger. Back squatting is a sport skill unto itself (i.e. as part of powerlifting) and is mechanically more complex, so there are more ways to get stronger in the movement through form changes which don't necessarily translate onto the field.

Not that back squats are bad, but as you get more advanced, and your training volumes need to be managed, its' a great bang for your buck exercise.

[stef799]

yup, in my opinion

[Cruceuz]

Front squats will really hurt your wrists..

[krakkerz]

Front squats will really hurt your wrists..

You need to suck it up. Or learn better ways to manage it.

[Cruceuz]

or maybe its just me doing them wrong

[jamalfudge]

or maybe its just me doing them wrong

Play around with grip width. There is definitely an adjustment phase and part of that is gaining wrist flexibility. Expect some discomfort on the way.

[jonmd123]

Front squats will really hurt your wrists..

I personally know someone that front squats over 500lbs....I'll be sure to let him know this information.

[theFutureD]

Dan John likes them.

Quickness doesnt happen from lifting weights though.

I use wrist straps, hold it in a clean position, maybe lift a finger or two to get it real tight so I feel some pressure on my neck when I am at the bottom.

I think they are interesting lift that would help me out.. but I have so problematic wrists so for now... I may opt for looking different alternatives. It's probably the way I grip the bar.

I can go heavy.. but not that heavy. Still.. it'd be good idea to switch it up from time to time. Thanks anyway

[theFutureD]

In my opinion, they are a more useful exercise for advanced athletes than the back squat. To improve in the front squat, you have to get stronger. Back squatting is a sport skill unto itself (i.e. as part of powerlifting) and is mechanically more complex, so there are more ways to get stronger in the movement through form changes which don't necessarily translate onto the field.

Not that back squats are bad, but as you get more advanced, and your training volumes need to be managed, its' a great bang for your buck exercise.

Interesting thought. I'd say I'm still fairly off from being an advanced athlete.. was going on that path but have had some health problems that have set me back quite a bit. Gonna try to improve though. For now.. I'll stick with back squat variations.

[DCSpartan]

For those of you complaining about your wrists - use wrist straps like I recommended. It gives you the support and allows you a tight rack.