Troubleshooting the Squat: Half-Kneeling Pulses

Interesting thing about the word troubleshooting (I’ll get to the main point soon…promise) in the context of coaching: when you look for synonyms, you need to wade through synonyms for it in the context of damage control, “good offices,” and customer service before you get to “as in adjust.” And “as in adjust” troubleshooting is probably the most relevant to how we use it in coaching or teaching.

Troubleshooting synonyms in relation to “as in adjust” include: readjust, calibrate, bring into line and sharpen. (See HERE.) All excellent words to frame it in action. When looking at a student’s exercise practice, we are looking to bring their form into line, sharpen the skill, calibrate the skill to the individual, and readjust the technique (if needed).

This is what makes the experience of working with a StrongFirst instructor (whether individually, or at a course or certification) so powerful. Troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting in Action: the Squat

At a recent SFG Level 1 Certification in Italy, during a dedicated troubleshooting segment, a student came up to demonstrate their squat. Now it was up to me to identify the issue and have a way to improve it. (In front of about a hundred people). No pressure.

An important aspect of troubleshooting from the coach’s perspective is to open the gaze and watch the entire movement. You cannot “run the checklist” of all the “pieces and parts” involved in the skill being evaluated. Step back and watch.

Two things stood out to me. First, the student was not using the ankles fully in the squat. Second, the student was not creating space during the squat. Very common challenges.

So…now what?

Time to pick a drill to improve the skill. For that, I selected something from my Functional Movement Systems (FMS) “toolbox.” A loaded, rhythmic mobilization, in the half kneeling position—half kneeling pulses. Article HERE.

How to: Half Kneeling Pulses

Begin in a wide-stance tall kneeling posture with the “shins in” at 45-degrees and big toes touching. Step up and out with one leg so it is perpendicular to the down leg/shin. The up leg is at a perpendicular 45-degree angle to the down leg/shin 45-degree angle.

If you “short the step” of the up leg and pulse forward, you will “run into” the ankle of that leg.

If you “extend the step” of the up leg and pulse forward, you will “run into” the adductors and hips of both legs.

Hold a kettlebell with two hands behind you and “push it down” to extend your half-kneeling posture to be as tall as you can. Perform 5 pulses forward with the short step, and 5 pulses forward with the extended step. Return to the tall kneeling posture to reset the 45-degree angles; repeat on the other side. Perform twice on each side.

Key points:

• Maintain a tall posture and do not lean or collapse during the pulse forward.
• Do not allow the front knee to go into valgus collapse—adjust the position of the front foot to prevent this and “push the knee out”.
• Do not go further than you can. In other words, use all 5 pulses to slowly build up the range of motion.
• Do not move into pain. If you feel a pinch and pain in the front of the ankle or hip(s), stop or shorten the range, and consult with a Healthcare Provider.
• Use a mat or padding for the knees.

After having the student perform the drill as described, I had them return to the squat with these cues or tips. 1) Use your ankles. It is ok for your shins to move forward just like the drill you just performed. 2) Open the hips just like you felt in the extended step pulses.

The student’s squat was greatly improved. Two things here: 1) I did not “talk” the student to death. 2) I used a drill to mobilize, control, and bring awareness. The awareness from the drill can then be used in the goal skill.

Give the drill a try and let us know how it works for you on the StrongFirst forum. This is just a peek inside what it means to learn the StrongFirst principles and techniques and how we integrate information from our partners like FMS. If you would like to learn more, you can attend an event like Foundational Strength. And any of our StrongFirst certifications.

Resources Mentioned

FMS – Functional Movement Systems

Foundational Strength – Event

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Brett Jones

Brett Jones is StrongFirst’s Director of Education. He is also a Certified Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Specialist based in Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from High Point University, a Master of Science in Rehabilitative Sciences from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

With over twenty years of experience, Brett has been sought out to consult with professional teams and athletes, as well as present throughout the United States and internationally.

As an athletic trainer who has transitioned into the fitness industry, Brett has taught kettlebell techniques and principles since 2003. He has taught for Functional Movement Systems (FMS) since 2006, and has created multiple DVDs and manuals with world-renowned physical therapist Gray Cook, including the widely-praised “Secrets of…” series.

Brett continues to evolve his approach to training and teaching, and is passionate about improving the quality of education for the fitness industry. He is available for consultations and distance coaching—e-mail him for more info.

Brett is the author of Iron Cardio.

Follow him on Twitter at @BrettEJones.