Why is the front squat considered more "athletic" than the back squat?

[Doenitz79]

Topic as above.

Why is the front squat considered more functional for sports than the regular squat?

[Phil2009]

Well its not considered more functional for sports, it dominates quad involvement over the back squat, and is used in powerlifting competitions, but I wouldnt say its considered more athletic...

[buffgrk]

Well its not considered more functional for sports, it dominates quad involvement over the back squat, and is used in powerlifting competitions, but I wouldnt say its considered more athletic...

x2, when you think of squats what first comes to mind?, for me its the basic back squat

[J.L.C.]

Well its not considered more functional for sports, it dominates quad involvement over the back squat, and is used in powerlifting competitions, but I wouldnt say its considered more athletic...

Which powerlifting competitions have front squats?

[Phil2009]

Which powerlifting competitions have front squats?

Does the clean and jerk not involve a front squat?

[Kiknskreem]

Does the clean and jerk not involve a front squat?

Wrong sport.

[GoJu]

Does the clean and jerk not involve a front squat?

that isn't powerlifting, that's weightlifting (it should be the other way around really)

the posterior chain is talked about so much it annoys me but really in the field, ring, whatever you are on your toes so the weight is centered slightly forward and you will be using more quads to drive through, like in a front squat

[Phil2009]

Wrong sport.

I dont understand, is powerlifting not in the olympics? When they do a clean and jerk, that involves a front squat.

[GoJu]

I dont understand, is powerlifting not in the olympics? When they do a clean and jerk, that involves a front squat.

weightlifting - snatch, clean&jerk

powerlifting - squat, bench, deadlift

there are supertotal contests but usually they're two different sports run by different organizations.

[Kiknskreem]

I dont understand, is powerlifting not in the olympics? When they do a clean and jerk, that involves a front squat.

Nope, that's Olympic Weightlifting.

[Phil2009]

weightlifting - snatch, clean&jerk

powerlifting - squat, bench, deadlift

there are supertotal contests but usually they're two different sports run by different organizations.

Wow im confused now. I was sure it was the other way around.

Then why do the olympics call it powerlifting? They do snatch, clean and jerks?

Nope, that's Olympic Weightlifting.

Ok lol... I really thought it was the other way around...

[GoJu]

Wow im confused now. I was sure it was the other way around.

Then why do the olympics call it powerlifting? They do snatch, clean and jerks?

they don't, the sport is officially called weightlifting.

[Phil2009]

they don't, the sport is officially called weightlifting.

Thanks for clearing that up fellas.

[F1eld]

Nope, that's Olympic Weightlifting.

well olympic weightlifting is cooler than powerlifting you have to agree of course

[nick115]

Well the way i had it explained to me is that with a front squat the weight is centered further forward on the body than the back squat. so with something like a vertical jump you usually have form like a front squat with your torso more vertical than the huge bend at the waist of a back squat. but thats juat how it was explained to me i think it makes since a bit

[dn27]

I'd say because it involves more balance.

[Kiknskreem]

Well the way i had it explained to me is that with a front squat the weight is centered further forward on the body than the back squat. so with something like a vertical jump you usually have form like a front squat with your torso more vertical than the huge bend at the waist of a back squat. but thats juat how it was explained to me i think it makes since a bit

Good thing basic strength training is not intended to be activity specific.

Each lift has its advantages and disadvantages, and you need to train both to get the most benefit. The back squat trains the hamstrings, glutes, and low back to a much higher degree than does front squatting, and those muscles of course play a pivotal role in sports activities.

[Appetite]

Topic as above.

Why is the front squat considered more functional for sports than the regular squat?

Consider a tackle in american football, or a grappler in wrestling. In both sports the resistance will be in front of you, rather than on your back. Alot of athletes will find the mechansim of the front squat more relevant.

[Epilerik]

What about lowering your shoulder if your a ballcarrier in football? You want leverage, so ideally your opponent should be on your backside when you hit him, correct? So wouldn't a back squat help more there, or even BB on the back forward lunges?

[Sim882]

in most sports, hamstrings/glute are more important than quads because they propel running, quads are to some extent shock absorbers.

So i'd think back squat was more athletic

[JoeyDaFool]

who said that? back squat is the core of training of almost every sport out there

that said, i could **** my pants if someone front squatted 800 or more (i think anderson did it)

[Doenitz79]

My gym owner said unless you're training for a PL contest,you shouldnt do back squats.

In terms of functionality for sports,front squats,unilateral leg work(step ups,lunge variants) are better.

[Kiknskreem]

My gym owner said unless you're training for a PL contest,you shouldnt do back squats.

In terms of functionality for sports,front squats,unilateral leg work(step ups,lunge variants) are better.

That's bull**** dude. Each has their place.

Nobody is going to build the same strength, bone density, joint integrity with a lunge, step up, or unilateral work as they can with the back squat.

[Doenitz79]

That's bull**** dude. Each has their place.

Nobody is going to build the same strength, bone density, joint integrity with a lunge, step up, or unilateral work as they can with the back squat.

I know,but he said for the posterior chain,deadlift variants are enough.

[Doenitz79]

My gym owner said unless you're training for a PL contest,you shouldnt do back squats.

In terms of functionality for sports,front squats,unilateral leg work(step ups,lunge variants) are better.

Now,looks like my gym owner has someone who believes the same as well.

from t-nation

"Myth: Back squats are better than front squats for gaining mass.
Mythbuster: Chris Bathke

Unless you're training for powerlifting, front squats are a better choice in terms of lower-body muscle recruitment and back health. In fact, I rarely have clients do back squats anymore.

The latest issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research has a University of Florida study with this conclusion: "The front squat was as effective as the back squat in terms of overall muscle recruitment, with significantly less compressive forces and extensor moments."

The study also found that back squats had "significantly higher" spinal-compressive forces and greater torque on the knees. Another point for front squats is improved hip mobility. Since they force you to keep an upright position, you're allowed to achieve a greater range of motion. This means your glutes, hams, and quads are working harder.

So if getting jacked and staying jacked for a long time is your goal, front squats are the only squats you need."

[FootBallBeast]

Now,looks like my gym owner has someone who believes the same as well.

from t-nation

"Myth: Back squats are better than front squats for gaining mass.
Mythbuster: Chris Bathke

Unless you're training for powerlifting, front squats are a better choice in terms of lower-body muscle recruitment and back health. In fact, I rarely have clients do back squats anymore.

The latest issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research has a University of Florida study with this conclusion: "The front squat was as effective as the back squat in terms of overall muscle recruitment, with significantly less compressive forces and extensor moments."

The study also found that back squats had "significantly higher" spinal-compressive forces and greater torque on the knees. Another point for front squats is improved hip mobility. Since they force you to keep an upright position, you're allowed to achieve a greater range of motion. This means your glutes, hams, and quads are working harder.

So if getting jacked and staying jacked for a long time is your goal, front squats are the only squats you need."

That makes sense, but I have a hard time trusting anything from T-nation, lol...

[Emmortal]

So if getting jacked and staying jacked for a long time is your goal, front squats are the only squats you need."

I hate statements like this. Like, if you want a big chest the flat bench press is all you ever need. Complete and utter bull****.

[Kiknskreem]

Another point for front squats is improved hip mobility. Since they force you to keep an upright position, you're allowed to achieve a greater range of motion. This means your glutes, hams, and quads are working harder.

There's a few things to be said about that article, but what really should hit home is that only someone with no actual significant squatting experience would say that front squat hits the hamstrings harder than a back squat.

[chazzy1864]

That article was just posted in a fresh thread. I'll just quote what iSkinny said, as it sums up the argument pretty well:

The front vs back squat argument is, every 2-3 years, re opened due to the SAME study being performed with a slightly different technique. Every time the results are the same and every time some donkey writes an article about it like it's groundbreaking.

I actually know someone who this very moment is in the lab collecting data for their dissertation on front vs back vs overhead squat. I'm pretty sure I could already tell him the results of his study, but hey, it's an easy+safe dissertation so I understand why he is doing it.

The jury is out on the front vs back squat argument due to the whole safety vs load. Like anything it is goal orientated.

[artmansg]

I think it depends on the athlete.... some do better with Back and some with front. Also depends on what the training goals are.... soooooo it really depends.