Low bar squat knee pain

[Seth Moldenhauer]

Hey Mr. Rippetoe, I switched to a lowbar squat about 2 weeks ago when I started NLP and have been experiencing some lateral knee pain. I've never had knee pain from squatting before and I'm wondering if it is a form thing or maybe too much volume at a high(ish) weight with a new movement? I read in Basic Barbell Training that shoving your knees out is supposed to help with knee health, so it is something I have tried to focus on.

Should I dial back the weight a bit until my body gets used to the movement more, or do you think it is a form issue?

Thanks much!

Seth

[Mark Rippetoe]

Video?

[Seth Moldenhauer]

I have a couple of videos, unfortunately neither are great with knee position as they are from the side. First one is my 1st day with lowbar, second one is about a week later.

YouTube

YouTube

[Mark Rippetoe]

Standard deal: Back too vertical, knees too forward. You are high-bar squatting with a low bar position, and your knees are unhappy.

[Seth Moldenhauer]

Good to know. How would you suggest fixing that? Is it taking a few days at lighter weight to get the movement down before loading the bar?

Thank you for the replies.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Learn How To Squat: A Beginner's Guide | Barbell Logic

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training | The Aasgaard Company