that was a qualifier for the 2002 HS Nationals...
Previous Page
Back to USAPLNationals.com
- Sit back when squatting. Do it as if you are sitting back in a chair and keep the shins straight up and down. It may take some practice and flexibility, but in the long run your hips will get lower easier, and you will be able to generate more power.
- Open up light. There's no bigger fear than wondering..."Will I make my opener", except maybe, "Will I bomb out". Open light with a weight you can easily do for 3 or even 5 reps. Thers's no rule against jumping 20 or 30 lbs. on 2nd and 3rd attemtps. Leave the gambling of opening up with max attempts to the unwise.
- If you are going to compete, use the gear. Single ply gear is legal in our meets and it does help you. A squat suit, benchshirt, and knee wraps do help a lot when worn tight. The tighter the better actually. Companies like Inzer, Titan and Crain can be found on the Internet.Thick, stiff powerbelts really help to keep the torso tighter. They are $70, but if you do get one and take care of it and you'll never have to buy another.
- If you want a bigger bench, a better arch helps. Just keep the hips on the bench. This will help decrease the distance to lockout and will also get the lats invloved.
- When deadlifting, choose a style that is either widestanced with a shoulder width grip, or a narrow stance with the hands just outside the knees, but not both. It's all about decreasing the distance to pull. Also, try to keep the bar closer to you, as close as possible. It gets easier the closer it is. Don't believe me? Just try to pick up a chair. The farther it is away, the harder it is and more lower back that is used. The closer it is, the more powerful a lifter is. It works the same way with weights.
At the Nationals the uniform/ lifting appearal requirements will be stricter. This is a big time meet that will qualify the winners for the 18 & under World Cahmpionships. A few items about that...
- No sleevless shirts are allowed, no matter if they are cut up, or purchased that way.
- In the Nationals, one peice lifting suits are required (wrestling singlets or squat suits). Without shorts worn over them, or spandex worn under them. Boxers underneath are also out, so get some breifs.
- Shirts must be lifting related with either your team logo, a USAPL National meet shirt, or a USAPL sponsor (Titan, Inzer, Crain). If nothing else just bring a plain solid color shirt because that will also will be ok.