Observing the Overhead Squat

It is important that the coach is able to observe the execution of the squat in full. The coach should stand about two to three metres away from the player. Two repetitions may be viewed from the front and two from the side. In some cases, it may also be necessary to observe additional repetitions from the back and from both sides.

The coach is screening the movement of the body as it moves through a squat pattern. This starts from a standing position with the arms overhead and moves to a position where the ankles, knees, and hips are flexed in a deep squat movement. Essentially, the player is moving into a classical triple flexion movement pattern about the ankles, knees, and hips. In addition, the arms are stretched overhead and held there during the flexion movement in the squat and in the extension back to standing. This part of the movement informs the coach about the stability of the spine and pelvis and the mobility of the upper back and the shoulders. In the video the player is performing the OHS competently with no movement faults.