Some coaches are jumping on the bandwagon of not back squatting their athletes (for various reasons). Ummm…what?

In this phase, we’ll be introducing the back squat, hinging motion, and more plyometric work.

It took more than 20 years of surveys for us to define what is optimal. These are some of those key items and teaching points we’ve picked up from those surveys, such as training group size considerations and training the squat from the bottom up.

You can build a powerful looking body without ever entering a power rack. But you’ll never really be strong. Stronger than the average guy, sure, but not the type of strong you dreamed of when you first set foot in a gym. For that kind of strength, you need a heavy bar on your back.

For any exercise, you need to know the proper progressions and regressions. Here is a simple squat progression you can implement with your athletes today.

These are my five favorite methods for achieving ridiculous quad growth and smashing through the dreaded ‘why won’t they grow’ barrier.

What functions are your functional movements fulfilling?

With attention to detail, effort, and intelligent progressions, Olympic lifts can be both enjoyable and highly effective in developing a range of physical qualities.