Athlete performing a squat with skeletal overlay to show proper alignment and stress points.

Squat Right, Play Strong: How to Sidestep Injury with Proper Form

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the link between your squat technique and injury risk, and learn how to safeguard your athletic performance."

For athletes, the squat is more than just a gym exercise; it's a foundational movement pattern that mirrors activities across a multitude of sports. Whether you're a basketball player leaping for a rebound or a soccer player powering through a sprint, the ability to squat correctly translates to enhanced performance and reduced injury risk. But what happens when squat form falters? Recent research sheds light on the connection between squat technique and injury rates, particularly among young athletes.

A study published in 'Physical Therapy in Sport' investigated the relationship between double-leg and single-leg squat performance and injury incidence among incoming NCAA Division I athletes. The findings suggest that athletes with poor movement quality during squats are more susceptible to lower extremity injuries. This underscores the importance of proper squat mechanics, not only for strength gains but also for injury prevention.

This article breaks down the key findings of this research and translates them into practical advice. You'll learn how to identify potential squatting flaws, understand their impact on injury risk, and discover strategies to optimize your squat form for long-term athletic success. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this information will empower you to train smarter and play stronger.

The Squat-Injury Connection: What the Research Reveals

Athlete performing a squat with skeletal overlay to show proper alignment and stress points.

The study, conducted with 111 incoming NCAA Division I athletes across 10 varsity sports teams, assessed squat performance using specific criteria for both double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS). Assessors categorized athletes as having 'poor' or 'non-poor' movement quality based on observed errors during the squat. Lower extremity injury data was then collected over the following year to determine any correlation.

The results indicated that athletes classified with poor movement quality on either the DLS or SLS exhibited a higher incidence of lower extremity injuries. While the study didn't establish a statistically significant relationship, the trends suggested a meaningful association between squat form and injury risk. Specifically, athletes with poor movement quality were more likely to experience injuries that sidelined them from their sport.

Poor movement quality during squats may increase the risk of lower extremity injuries in athletes.
Both double-leg and single-leg squats can be valuable assessments of movement quality.
Addressing squatting flaws through targeted interventions may reduce injury risk.

To further explain, researchers looked at common movement errors, or faults, and how they ranked in the athlete pool in DLS and SLS. Most frequent errors in the double-leg squat included forward lean, feet turning out, and weight shift. In single-leg squats, athletes commonly showed trunk/hip shift, knee valgus (knee drifting inward), and hip drop/hike. These errors suggest potential imbalances, stability issues, or lack of motor control that could predispose athletes to injury.

Optimize Your Squat, Optimize Your Performance

While more research is needed to fully understand the intricacies of the squat-injury relationship, this study provides valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and trainers. By prioritizing proper squat mechanics and addressing movement flaws, you can enhance athletic performance, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure long-term participation in the sports you love. Remember, it's not just about how much you lift; it's about how well you move.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.10.009, Alternate LINK

Title: Association Between Double-Leg Squat And Single-Leg Squat Performance And Injury Incidence Among Incoming Ncaa Division I Athletes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Subject: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Journal: Physical Therapy in Sport

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Timothy Eckard, Darin Padua, Timothy Mauntel, Barnett Frank, Laura Pietrosimone, Rebecca Begalle, Shiho Goto, Michael Clark, Kristen Kucera

Published: 2018-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What does research suggest about the connection between squat technique and injury risk, specifically in young athletes?

The study published in 'Physical Therapy in Sport' suggests a potential link between poor movement quality during double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS) and a higher incidence of lower extremity injuries among NCAA Division I athletes. While the study didn't establish statistical significance, it indicated a trend where athletes with poor squat form were more likely to experience injuries.

What are some of the most frequent movement errors observed in double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS) among athletes?

Common errors observed in double-leg squats (DLS) include forward lean, feet turning out, and weight shift. In single-leg squats (SLS), common errors involve trunk/hip shift, knee valgus (knee drifting inward), and hip drop/hike. These errors suggest potential imbalances, stability issues, or a lack of motor control, potentially predisposing athletes to injury.

How can athletes address flaws in double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS) to improve their squat form and reduce injury risk?

Addressing flaws in double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS) can be achieved through targeted interventions focusing on improving movement quality. This may include exercises that enhance stability, balance, and motor control. By correcting issues like forward lean, knee valgus, and hip drop/hike, athletes can optimize their squat mechanics and reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries. More research is needed to determine specific interventions.

Are the findings on squat-related injuries only relevant to elite athletes, or can athletes of all levels benefit from understanding proper double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS) mechanics?

While the study in 'Physical Therapy in Sport' focused on NCAA Division I athletes, the principles of proper squat mechanics and their impact on injury risk are applicable to athletes of all levels and ages. Regardless of the sport, maintaining proper form during double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS) is crucial for optimizing performance and minimizing the likelihood of injury. Prioritizing movement quality over weight lifted can benefit everyone involved in physical activity.

Beyond immediate injury prevention, what are the potential long-term implications of the research on double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS) for athletes and their training regimens?

The long-term implications of the research on double-leg squats (DLS) and single-leg squats (SLS) extend beyond immediate injury prevention. By emphasizing proper squat mechanics and addressing movement flaws early on, athletes can develop more efficient movement patterns that translate to enhanced athletic performance and a reduced risk of chronic injuries. Furthermore, coaches and trainers can use this information to create more effective training programs that prioritize movement quality and long-term athletic development. Further research could lead to new rehab and prehab strategies.