Using your quads vs. your hips

[Mon]

How can you tell when you use your quads vs. your hips?

example..

A Back Squat is different than a Deadlift. Back Squat is Quad dominant and a Deadlift is Hip Dominant. Performing a Deadlift and trying to use your hips instead of your quads is harder for a lot of people, especially beginners. If you remembered the video I posted of me deadlifting, you guys commented that I was squatting like a squat (not using my hips).

Even when I am swinging a bat, I cannot tell rather I am using my hips or not to power the swing. Same with throwing. To get as much power/strength as possible in any sport activity or lift, the glutes/hips must be used the most during activity's that are hip dominant like swinging a bat, throwing a ball, sprinting, doing a deadlift, kicking a soccer ball, etc. My main problem has always been my hips and I want to know how to actually "FEEL" that my hips are working vs. just the quads and also when its the right time to fire the glutes as well, so I know I am doing it correctly. I do fire hydrants, bird dogs, and glute bridges as my warm up before my dynamic stretches always and I defiantly feel my hips/glutes working. Its just actually performing the activity/lift that I have trouble knowing rather its the hips or not that is working. When I videotape myself and look at it, it does not look like the hips are doing its job, especially kicking a soccer ball (I feel more my shin/knee). Other than feeling the right muscles firing during the activation exercises, how do I transfer it to the actually performing activity or/and lift?

[StuWard]

How to Optimize Posterior Chain Power: Glute Activation | StrongLifts.com
Why You Should Always Squeeze Your Glutes | StrongLifts.com

[Simon C]

Actually I think most beginners(and even more experienced lifters) actually use too much hips, and not enough quads when they pull, starting with their hips way too high.

It's the opposite in the squat where most beginners use too much quads by shoving their knees forward heaps while trying to keep upright.

You my friend, are an exception.

[eastcoastsurfer]

Originally Posted by Simon C

Actually I think most beginners(and even more experienced lifters) actually use too much hips, and not enough quads when they pull, starting with their hips way too high.

It's the opposite in the squat where most beginners use too much quads by shoving their knees forward heaps while trying to keep upright.

You my friend, are an exception.

I guess I'm also an exception. I have the hardest time firing my quads when I do any leg exercises. When I was rehabbing my ACL the PT helped me some by having me focus on pushing off my heels and driving my knee back (essentially flexing my quad while pushing), but it's still hard for me. I have a big butt and strong hamstrings and they fight to kick anytime they can :p

[Frank.S]

I have a hard time using my quads effectively. My strong point is my lowerback no doubt in just about everything.