Are some humans incapable of squatting ?

[qwooldridge]

I've had my basketball team on SS for 3 weeks, got 2 kids who seem to be incapable of doing anything even close to a proper squat. Their biggest problem is keep their weight back, one was a catcher in his baseball career and has old habit, other is just a tard. Most of my kids with a little coaxing had no trouble adjusting to keep their heels down and driving with them, think flexibility may be an issue also with these 2. Any ideas?

PS-We are playing at MSU in mid Nov. and would like to bring my guys by WFAC, I'll get in touch once the time get close.

Thanks,

Quinn W

[Mark Rippetoe]

At the risk of calling your squat coaching abilities into question, if you'll bring them by here after the game I can get them fixed. I can pretty much get anybody doing a correct squat in one workout, if the workout lasts long enough.

[qwooldridge]

Both have made some strides the last couple workouts, not where I would like them to be, but closer. Mostly is a flexibility and brain problem, both are afraid to sit back and are moving knees forward in ascent.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Fear. Tell them that I said they are pussies.

[qwooldridge]

I have an ultimate case study here on our team;

18 years old, 6'11/214 (and the dreaded skinny fat composition) with extremely rounded shoulders, to the point that his wingspan is significantly shorter than most basketball players his height.

His progression has stalled at 105lbs on bench press, soon to top out at 75lbs on the press.

He has good mobilty/hands but his absolute lack of strength and the lack of confidence resulting from that are holding him back.

If he can make extensive gains in strength/confidence from SS then he could possibly be the poster boy for the program.

(He's drinking enough Milk in the cafe, to the point that the lunch lady asked me if there is something wrong with him)

[Mark Rippetoe]

Yes, the picture shows a frightening example of bad strength genetics. To the extent he can improve, it will probably occur in the context of smaller than average increases. Patience and 2 years of training will make a lot of difference.