SSB squats - form question

[David Mitchell]

I can't low bar squat. I've tried everything I can find to loosen up my shoulders and nothing has helped. Yes, even the video from about a month ago. I am 52 and have had 2 rotator repairs and 2 biceps tenodedis (is tenodesises the plural?) in the last 2 years but I am not sure if that was the cause or not. I continue to work on ROM but in the meantime...

I started SS with leg presses because my shitty gym didn't have a SSB. Now they do. My question is what is the proper form for SSB? Is it essentially the same as LB squats? I understand that the back angle will change. Am I correct in assuming that everything else (toe angle, width, depth) is the same?

[Michael Wolf]

Start with the same stance. You might later end up adjusting it a little, but can start with the same stance. You can't lean over as much because of the interplay of the system's COM and your mid-foot. I haven't analyzed it in detail but my feeling from doing them is that, mechanically, it's between a high bar squat and front squat, with a slightly unstable / moving barbell. So you'll be, and need to stay, more upright.

[David Mitchell]

Thanks for the reply.

Based on your impression that they are between a front and HB squat, would it be your suggestion to switch to high bar if / when I can? At this point my ROM puts the bar right around C7 / T1 but I am hoping I can improve on that over time.

[Michael Wolf]

If you can't low bar but can high bar, yes, I'd recommend high bar over the SSB as your primary squat.

[David Mitchell]

Thanks again.

[Charlie Davies]

During my recent adhesive capsulitis, I was able to high-bar squat with a pair of Hooker Handles. I couldn't grip the bar even for HB w/o them. https://startingstrength.com/resources/forum/showthread.php?t=59438

I don't need them anymore, if you want to buy them PM me :-)