[Lisa~]

Originally Posted by galapogos

I've heard/read conflicting explanations for this. Rippetoe's Starting Strength says that it results from weak adductors rather than abductors, because in that position the relatively stronger quads take up more of the work. I've also read Eric Cressey's "You don't know squat" which argues the opposite, that it's a case of weak abductors.

Instinctively I tend to agree with Eric more since knees out is afterall an external rotation/abduction, and an inability to keep your knees out would suggest a weak/inhibited external rotator/abductor such as the glute max/med/min, rather than any of the adductors...but then again Rippetoe has a wealth of experience under his belt so it would be hard to explain how he got it wrong, if he did...

So who's right?

I was taught, as were many other trainers, that the first place to look for solutions to the knees caving in during squatting was to suspect weak abductors. I've also had success by teaching glute activation and knees out (or spread the floor) cuing. But there is rarely only one explanation. When respected coaches and trainers like Coach Rippetoe and Bill Hartman offer alternate explanations for the same problem, we should listen. My take-away has been that you have to find what solves the problem for the individual client. If the standard glute activation and abductor strengthening movements don't create the desired effect, then start looking elsewhere for solutions.

It's definitely some interesting reading. If some of you don't own Starting Strength, then read what Coach Rippetoe says on the topic in this interview by Craig Rasmussen: Texas BBQ: Talking Shop with Mark Rippetoe.

Then read Bill Hartman's blog post where he considers Coach Rippetoe's opinions and offers up even another possible solution: Squat Diagnosis.

I think most of us like to hear a definitive answer and believe we know what's right. But the reality is that different experts will offer up different opinions based on their experience and training. We learn what we can and apply it the best we can in the gym. There is rarely only one right answer.