Barbell overhead squat...Impossible

[Zoel]

I just finished workout C of HGM phase 3 and I have one thing to report...the barbell overhead squat is impossible. Everytime I go down I go straight to the tips of my toes. I don't have this problem at all doing normal squats or the dumbell front squats. Anyone have any clues as to why this is happening?

[Craig]

You don't have the flexibility to do so...it might be lower body or upper body mobility that prevents this. Start with a broomstick. Use perferct form and work up to it.

Craig

[GqArtguy]

Craig nailed it. You need stetch out your hips, quads, ankles, etc. a lot more and make sure you dont go out wide because it will cause your torso to lean foward and make it difficult to maintain the bar (even if you have the shoulder flexibility to hold it with a leaning torso).

[Zoel]

Do you guys recommend any specific stretches?

[Craig]

It's more of a motor pattern that has to be learned...unless you are extremely tight in the hip flexors.

Practice, practice, practice with the broomstick.

This will increase your mobility in all the required joints.

Craig

[Zoel]

Sweet...I assume this will also help with form when it comes to the normal squat as well...as in less forward movement

[GqArtguy]

Originally posted by Zoel:
Sweet...I assume this will also help with form when it comes to the normal squat as well...as in less forward movement

Eh kinda. If you are flexible and are still having issues with a lean during a squat you may have a lower back weakness.

Just stretch out your hips, glutes, quads, ankles/calves when you do an OH squat, along with shoulder stretching and youll be alright when you practice.

[jcwiseesq]

Have a woman show you how easy it is. With their lower center of gravity, it not a hard thing for them to do.
jc