Why do squat spotters get so darn close? page

[PrimalHunter]

I've seen pics and videos of competitions where a squat spotter stands a millimeter behind the lifter and follows them all the way down and back up. Not only is this really creepy, but the slightest accidental contact from a spotter means the attempt doesn't count, right? Is there some reason the spotter can't stand way back and wait for the rep to fail, or just let them drop the bar?

[RichMahogany]

Yup. Because the lift is a max effort, loaded onto the competitor's back, and waiting for the rep to fail could have catastrophic consequences.

Bet you could have thought that through on your own.

[EagleRiverDee]

Bet you could have thought that through on your own.

Bet you could have replied without being unkind, also.

[PrimalHunter]

Yup. Because the lift is a max effort, loaded onto the competitor's back, and waiting for the rep to fail could have catastrophic consequences.

Bet you could have thought that through on your own.

What are the "catastrophic consequences" of setting the bar down on the pins of a squat rack? I've also seen people doing heavy squats without a rack, and simply drop the bar behind them when they fail. What are the "catastrophic consequences" of that?

[RichMahogany]

Bet you could have replied without being unkind, also.

It sounded far more good-natured in my own head than it must have looked to you on paper. My bad. Should have tossed in an emoticon.

[RichMahogany]

What are the "catastrophic consequences" of setting the bar down on the pins of a squat rack? I've also seen people doing heavy squats without a rack, and simply drop the bar behind them when they fail. What are the "catastrophic consequences" of that?

I don't think he/she was talking about a competition that allows the lifters to squat in a rack with pins. Wasn't even aware there were such things.

Ever see someone fall forward when failing a squat without a rack/pins? People take dangerous risks at their absolute maximum limits in competitions, and extra safety precautions are necessary.

Plus, dropping weights from that height is terrible for the barbell.

[Neckhammer]

RichM nailed it. When your dealing with that much weight and a max effort all kinds of things can go VERY wrong. If you don't believe it just do some youtube surfing.

[Veelore]

What are the "catastrophic consequences" of setting the bar down on the pins of a squat rack? I've also seen people doing heavy squats without a rack, and simply drop the bar behind them when they fail. What are the "catastrophic consequences" of that?

Of that? Nothing, but not all failed squats are going to go that way:

Knees x-ing inwards,
Back folding forwards and the bar rolling across
Actual muscle rips (though if thats going to happen I am doubtful a spotter could save you in time)
Having over yoru body weight potentially dropping on part of you, or having you fall with it on top of you.

I do think it should be noted though that there are alot of bad spotters out there. They hold the bar and insist 'its all you' as they clearly are taking some of the strain.

[ChocoTaco369]

Yep...

http://www.facebook.com/video/embed?...15743748513965

[boomingno]

Ow... ugh I had to stop watching that before it ended