A hot topic of discussion in the S&C world is squat depth. With emotional attachment to beliefs high on either side of the debate, we have to keep an open mind to understand what factors have an impact and thus should be considered. Often times, hip structure is the primary point when talking about optimal depth. While this is very true, the inability to deep squat is not going to be tied to bone structure 100% of the time. One thing that must be considered is the recent and not so recent training history of an athlete, as well as technique. Case in point, I was never able to deep squat while training as a sprinter. From both the mechanics of sprinting (deep hip flexion is not actually achieved in optimal sprinting), the demands of propulsion (mid and end range hip extension), and the chronically overloaded tissues of the hip, deep squatting would give me pain 9/10 times. Beyond all that, ankle stiffness and low-back tightness from excessive running volumes inhibited my ability to get into a deep squat position with or without pain. Now that I haven't been sprinting for a while, I can deep squat without any pain. My hip bone structure did not change in a matter of months. Instead, what changed was the areas of my body which were stressed, the areas where tension was being held, and the level of tone in certain areas which inhibited full squat range of motion. Lastly, by changing up my foot position to have narrow heels and flared out toes, I am able to achieve a more optimal position compared to a wider, box squat style stance. Also, by pushing the knees forward and out in line with the toes both on the way down and way back up, I am far more comfortable going low and getting back up. When considering range of motion for any athlete, don't get stuck at the bone structure. Consider their training history, areas of the body which are chronically loaded by training, as well as their technique. Maybe, just maybe, they CAN go deeper without pain or problems, and as such will be able to get more out of the movement. Sometimes we need to open our eyes to other possibilities, instead of being stuck in our burrow of preconceived notions. http://ift.tt/2tOhJ0g