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Barbell Jerk Dip Squat

Advanced

A barbell accessory exercise that mimics the jerk's dip phase, targeting quadriceps, glutes, and core to develop explosive leg drive and stability for Olympic weightlifting.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell, Squat Rack

Difficulty

3/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Lower Back, Calves, Traps

Popularity Score

4

Goals

Strength
Power

Training Style

Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

Yes

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Calves

4/10

Gastrocnemius

Traps

3/10

Upper Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-8 reps

Rest Between Sets

120-180 seconds

How to Perform

Rack the barbell at shoulder height. Position it across your front deltoids with elbows high, grip outside shoulders. Unrack and stand with feet hip-width, toes out, core braced.

  1. Bend knees to dip forward 4-6 inches, keep torso vertical.
  2. Drive through feet to extend knees and hips explosively.
  3. Return to upright starting position without pausing.
  4. Reset posture and brace core.
  5. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Torso vertical always
  • Knees track over toes
  • Drive from heels
  • Elbows high
  • Core tight
  • Balance midfoot

Breathing

Inhale during the dip, brace core, and exhale forcefully during the drive.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Dip until knees bend 4-6 inches deep with torso upright; fully extend hips and knees at top.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight to master form
  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Use safety pins in rack for heavy loads
  • Stop if balance is lost
  • Ensure proper front rack mobility
  • Consult coach for technique

Spotting

Not typically needed; use rack safeties set just below dip depth for protection.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning torso forward
  • Hips shooting back
  • Deep squat instead of shallow dip
  • Heels lifting off ground
  • Incomplete extension
  • Arms pushing instead of legs driving

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Knee joint issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion for front rack
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for knee travel
  • Hip mobility for stability

Build Up First

  • Basic squat form
  • Familiarity with front rack position
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

Jerk Dip Squat, Dip Squat for Jerk, Barbell Dip Drive

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