Challenge with eccentric part of squat

[gregpall603]

Hi Coach Rip,

I'm finding the eccentric part of the squat sometimes more challenging than the eccentric. Yesterday, for example, I did 5 x 5's of 335 lbs on the squat (Intermediate program): coming back up isn't the problem, nor is getting to the bottom of the hole. It's that middle 1/3 part of the eccentric that I'm finding most challenging as I get heavier and heavier. Do you have any suggestions? In my own limited experience, I find that lifts are won or lost by the way in which I descend: if I'm tentative, it's over; calm and focused, I hit the lifts often with ease.

BTW, I've got that Brent Carter Texas chili going right now -- great recipe.
Thank you,

[Mark Rippetoe]

Video. Not the chili.

[Robert Santana]

Hi Coach Rip,

I'm finding the eccentric part of the squat sometimes more challenging than the eccentric. Yesterday, for example, I did 5 x 5's of 335 lbs on the squat (Intermediate program): coming back up isn't the problem, nor is getting to the bottom of the hole. It's that middle 1/3 part of the eccentric that I'm finding most challenging as I get heavier and heavier. Do you have any suggestions? In my own limited experience, I find that lifts are won or lost by the way in which I descend: if I'm tentative, it's over; calm and focused, I hit the lifts often with ease.

BTW, I've got that Brent Carter Texas chili going right now -- great recipe.
Thank you,

Ultimately video is necessary but I'd be willing to bet that as the weight gets heavier your back angle likely becomes more vertical. Let's get a look at the video though.