Sunday, August 19, 2012

Squat and Deadlift Technique

I really want to increase my strength and improve my lifting technique as I know that will improve my vertical. So, I've been watching tons of squat and deadlift videos on YouTube. I've come across a young guy (20 years old) who is incredibly strong and whose technique is really impressive. He weighs about the same as me (170 lbs) but squats almost double what I do. Crazy!

I've traded some messages with him and seems like he really knows his stuff. Check out some of his vids!

Olympic Squat Technique



 Deadlift Technique







13 comments:

  1. Good informational videos! I have not been doing dead lifts in my training because it bothered my back. You should record a few dunks soon!

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  2. nice, I've seen a few of his vids. I might need to lower my weight a bit to focus on form. I don't always get as low as I should on every rep.

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  3. How important do you think it is to do full squats? Since we're training to dunk, i figured doing box squats slightly above parallel with more weight might be more beneficial.

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    1. That is a great question and something I think about a lot. So, I do think it's important to go down to parallel or slightly below to strengthen those muscles in the full range of motion. I also think it's beneficial to do 1/4 or 1/2 squats as well.

      So with the Jump Manual for example, I would do a few sets very low and then a couple as low as I could get (1/4 or 1/2 squat). That way I'm strengthening the muscles in the full range of motion but also preparing my body to take on heavier loads. Has seemed to work for me.

      What do you think?

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    2. Full squats are difficult for me, due to either my lack of flexibility or lack of strength. I wasn't planning on doing them, but it's hard to argue against your results!

      But maybe I should do strictly 1/2 and 1/4 squats for "science". We can compare results to examine its effectiveness. Hardly scientifically sound I know, but it would still be interesting i think.

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    3. yep - full squats are hard for me too. i think flexibility is a huge part of it because i struggle to get low even on light weights. but, i have improved a lot over the last few months.

      let us know how it goes!

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  4. Thanks again for posting this article. I really appreciate it. You inspired me to start a blog after checking this out. And as someone who is a long jumper turned decathlete that does some powerlifting/weightlifting on the side, I can tell you all that the Jump Manual has some great information. I admit after seeing the title Jump Manual and seeing so many "gurus" I had my doubts, but I watched the 11 minute overview video and it takes the exact no BS approach I am going for as well. Great work

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    1. Very cool! Yep, I saw your blog and will be following it closely!

      I have become a big fan of the Jump Manual from following the workouts since last year. Trying to go higher and want to learn as much as I can. Got to get stronger and anxious to learn anything I can from you. Obviously, you've been doing things right!

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  5. Hey buddy - just a competition training update....I seem to be at a dreaded plateau - like you mentioned, I also think I need to focus on strength gains to improve my vertical further. I can squat 275 to full depth for reps of 6 so I would guess my 1RM to be close to 300 and I can trap bar dead lift 345 for 1RM - bw is 180. Here are a couple of my latest jumps. Still only have the one stock dunk, the other video is of me missing. I have yet to land a 2 footed dunk of any kind and I'm different than most b/c even though I'm right handed I jump with my left arm back off two feet. Hope your training is going well, I think the competition is helping me push myself.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo-4UVJSisQ
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI-w5xpzfvw

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    1. Can't watch the first link -- says the video is private. But, watched the second one. I actually like jumping that same way off 2 feet and going up with the left hand too -- although I usually miss!

      I took last week off from training for the most part and started again today. Also, recommitted myself to eating really good again. My weight is up to 175 lbs and would like to be more like 165-168 lbs.

      I agree on the competition. Has given me a fresh boost of motivation which is really nice!

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  6. Link should be active now - didn't miss much just my same old stock dunk! Get some videos up soon, let's fuel this competition.

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    1. yep - the first video works now.

      i will get some new vids made soon! jacob hiller is in town and hoping to hoop with him again while he's here and make a new video.

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