Squat Form Check with poor ankle mobility

[killik]

Hi guys,

im having big trouble squatting without my upper body being almost parallel to the ground. guess its my body proportions plus poor ankle mobility.
Without heel support its really a pain in the ass.

sometimes i have a slight lower back pain after a squat day. I mean the really low back right above the butt. its not a major pain but i wonder if it has to do with my squat technique.

Could you tell me if i do everything correctly?

180lbs Squat form check - YouTube

[Jeff Illingworth]

You need to greatly adjust the way you are holding the bar. Do you have access to an actual gym or better equipment? Your current set up looks like it's likely to cause you problems just trying to get in and out of your rack and back up onto your wooden wedges.

[Charlie Davies]

Here's what's wrong, that I see:

* bar is on traps, as for high-bar squats
* back angle is appropriate for low-bar squats
* soft-soled running shoes, not lifting shoes
* 1" sleeve standard barbell, not olympic-style barbell
* no rack or stand of any kind

Can you get access to proper equipment?

Also, you must decide whether you are trying to do low-bar squats according to the Starting Strength model, or high-bar. Pick one, don't mix them together.

Do you have a copy of Mr. Rippetoe's book? It explains all this in detail.

[killik]

ah thanks for the quick answers.

I didnt even know i was holding the bar high-bar style.
i just tried it like in the video Jeff Illingworth linked.

Of course my intend is to do the lowbar squat.

unfortunately that shifts the balance even further back which makes me have to bend over even more with the upper body.

lifting shoes and a squat-rack are planned. i just started out training.

why is my barbell bad not being an olympic style barbell? i have enough space for my arms and hands to move

[Charlie Davies]

why is my barbell bad not being an olympic style barbell? i have enough space for my arms and hands to move

It's the least important thing, don't worry about it.

[BBB]

Everyone nailed it, but even if you're in sneakers... you don't want to also be on a 2x4 or whatever that piece of wood is. It's just ruining your stability even further. When traveling, I've squatted heavy in Oly shoes, flat shoes, sneakers, etc.

Given what you're working with, I'd say your primary concern should be safety. Your stands should be in front of you, you shouldn't be walking the weight the way you are. If you have access to 2x4's, you can build a square frame that you can attach to your squat stands and at least get some sort of safety. If you can afford it, buy a cheap rack. Where are you located?