Back Squats vs Front Squats

So I have been contemplating changing up my routine quite a bit. I lean towards the powerlifting side of things, but I'm starting to think that other lifts may benefit my throwing a little more. In particular I was wondering about switching up back squats and prioritizing front squats. I've noticed a lot of great throwers do front squats, some more than others, Craig Smith is a good example. As far as I can tell, he does almost all front squats. I've seen a lot of videos of Ryan Vierra doing front squats as well. A lot of shot putters seem to do fronts a bit more too. What are the reasons for that? Where are front squats advantageous, and where are they at a disadvantage? Thanks in advance for the help.

Yeah, I've noticed they are quite a bit harder. I had done them before, but never as a priority lift. I guess harder means better makes sense, but how might they be more applicable to throwing? I know they hit the quads a little more while backs hit the hams, but how would that effect throwing? If that makes sense.

hahaha, fair enough :P

C. Smith wrote: Fronts are more quad dominant.  Backs are more hip/posterior chain dominant. If you are pulling like you should, proper posterior chain work shouldn't be an issue if you're only front squatting.  In the front there is less spinal compression and your torso is more upright.  I like fronts better for athletes, but don't have a problem with back squats.

+1

I do quite a bit of pulls, so I'm thinking I'm getting plenty for my posterior chain. I think I'm gonna prioritize front squats over back squats. Thanks for all the input guys.

You make a very good point. I have been doing a lot of back squats before this point though. I also do snatches a lot and the final push is pretty much an overhead squat. So I think I'm probably doing a good job of getting all that in. I think at this point I'm into the front squat phase anyway. Thanks for that bit of input, that'll help me out when I begin a new program.

To restate or rephrase, something written in the book "Supertraining" by Mel Siff.  Front squats are directly relational to a vertical jump and back squats are relational to a broad jump. 

Both are applicable.  Front squats are probably more important for a highland games athlete, because of the WOB, caber, sheaf, and hammer, which are very vertical events.  Stones and wfd's could be put in that category too, because of the posture involved.

Some really good stuff is coming up on this forum, thanks for all of it guys! I'll keep reading and absorbing all the knowledge I can. Thanks again guys!