What correction helps when a lifter does not go deep enough in a squat?

• A. Squat to a target that places the hip crease lower than the knee
• B. Increase weight
• C. Stand taller
• D. Shorten the stance

Answer: (A)

When depth is lacking, set a clear, observable target that forces the lifter to reach the full range. A practical target is to have the hip crease drop lower than the knee, i.e., below-parallel depth. This gives a concrete goal that trains the coordination of hips, knees, and ankles and ensures the lifter isn’t shortchanging the squat.

Cueing helps: think of sitting the hips back and down, keeping the chest tall, and pressing through the midfoot or heels as you descend until the hip crease passes the knee. This creates consistent depth across reps and builds the strength and mobility needed for full range squats over time.

Other approaches like adding weight or changing posture won’t reliably enforce depth. Increasing weight tends to promote shallower reps or technique breakdown; standing taller reduces knee flexion and depth; shortening the stance can alter leverage and may not guarantee the desired depth. The most effective correction is using a depth target that places the hip crease below the knee.