Every lift we perform in barbell training is characterised by three distinct phases: a beginning, an end, and a middle part in which the actual movement takes place. If we look at the squat, it is difficult to pick a phase we could deem more important than others. Fail to get tight at the start, and the rest of the movement will suffer. Fail to follow through, and you might miss the rep.There is, however, a point in the squat which to a large degree predicts how strong you are in the upward phase: the bottom position. We can use it as an important metric for how much force we are able to produce when overcoming the weight on the way up. If this force exceeds the numeric weight on the bar (plus gravity), you are bound to complete the rep. If the force generated by your muscles is lower than the weight of the bar (because you haven't read the below article yet), you will not be able to stand the weight back up. Below is a checklist of (...)