Ensuring depth while squatting

[Cuthbert]

Hey everyone,

I decided tonight I would try for a max single in the free squat, since I haven't done so in months, and my box squat has been doing well. I'm also thinking of entering a PL competition for the first time, and wanted some idea of where I was.

So I'm doing singles, all is going really well, I feel VERY strong. I put 405 on the bar, which I've never done, and attempt the lift. It felt good going down, but for some reason I stopped short of parallel by an inch or two, and DESTROYED the weight coming back up. I was literally surprised with how easily i squatted it up.

So, I figure I'll try another rep at it, knowing that I'm strong enough to do it to parallel. AGAIN, same thign happens, I can't bring myself to go deep enough for fear of getting flattened. Needless to say, I was pretty pissed off.

I think I may just have a mental block with 405. I had all the trouble in the world trying to deadlift this weight, and I literally couldnt do it even though i know I was strong enough... then one day my max jumped from 390 to 425-- I got past the mental block.

So, is there any tips any of you have for getting through this mentally? I'd have somebody watch my depth, but I dont really trust anyone at my gym to do that.

Anyways, sorry this is so long, thanks for reading.

Cuthbert

 

[bignate73]

when my hamstrings touch my calves...its time to go up.

thats the short of it.

you could use a mirror i guess if you arent going all the way down.

 

[coolcolj]

go all the way to the bottom then there won't be any doubt

 

[Cuthbert]

Thats about what I'm gonna start doing when I'm not box squatting.

Problem is, it's definitely not optimal for PL.

Cuthbert

 

[coolcolj]

you could always rig up a band - so that when your butt touches it, your at the right depth.