Calfs... ... the forgotten hero?

[Fin]

Could someone answer this?

Unless you are dipping a full 60 degrees or so you are mainly using your calfs. So is it true that calf raises are more valuable than back squats?

P.S I know back squats are important however we only really dip to bout 30 degrees at max. (looking at other peoples videos) and dipping below 90 is useless.

Edit: I could be wrong bout the whole need to go 60 degrees for max power.

[Psychostick]

I hope you don't mean below parallel squatting is useless.

[Lobo]

Well it is true to an extent.

[anfeyd]

So is it true that calf raises are more valuable than back squats?

Simply put, no. Even though the squat isn't deep the quads are still more important. I'm sure Chicanerous or someone of the likes will give you a more detailed answer.

Try to jump without using your quads at all, then you will see why.

[compleks]

there's no point in breaking it down to specific muscle actions. Jumping is a whole body activity, so it should be trained as one.

[Ashtar]

It's hard to say what's more valuable, probably varies on what people's weak points are.

Although, I do think that squatting heavy weights with full RoM isn't as valuable for jumping as doing heavier weights with less RoM, if you won't be going anywhere near full RoM in your jumps. It probably does make it safer though, and a good contrast for plyo.

[Swartz]

Calves are the single worst muscle group to experience muscle soreness. Quads are a close second but holy shit, sore calves are the real bitch of all time. I really don't work them enough but now that I am...HOLY CRAP.

[NightHunter]

I believe in the breakdowns of jumping, the posterior chain(glutes and hams) are the most important groups.

Besides that though, you can't break down the jump. You should base your workout around big compound lifts for maximal improvement.

[chicanerous]

The calves are used very little during the knee bend in a dip / quarter squat / etc. They're activated primarily when there is plantar flexion (i.e the ankles extend, e.g. a calf raise) or knee flexion. In a dip, there is eccentric knee flexion and the calf is used but it's insignificant compared to the muscles of the thigh.

If you want to add more calf emphasis, rise up on your toes at the end of the squat. Alternatively, to better simulate a vertical jump and increase emphasis on the posterior chain, you might want to try a good morning type movement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpA47OUohpM

Check out the end of that video after the squats.

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A good reason to do full squats is that plyometrics and the high volume of jumping performed in tricking stresses the knees greatly in the top portion of knee's ROM. Squatting ATG helps distribute stress throughout the knee and taxes a ROM not regularly used.