10/15/2026
Ever wondered why you hit different depths during your front squat versus your back squats?
It’s not just about your mobility—it’s biomechanics!
Torso Angle - In a front squat, if your chest drops, you drop the bar. The front rack forces a completely upright spine, which physically shifts your hips straight down between your heels.
When the bar is behind your neck, you must lean your torso forward to keep the weight balanced over your mid-foot. This forward angle closes your hips faster, making “ass-to-grass” depth much harder to hit for most skeletal frames.
Counterweight - Having the barbell in front rack acts as a built-in counterbalance. This lets your knees track forward and allows you to sit deep without feeling like you’re going to fall backward.
The bottom line - Don’t beat yourself up if your back squat is shallower. You’re actually using a different lever system!
Which squat feels more natural for you?
