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Bodyweight Squat

The base of leg strength — a controlled squat to a comfortable depth, driving through the whole foot to stand.

Simple exercise diagram for Bodyweight Squat.
Squat & Lunge exercise pattern

How to perform it

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outward.
  2. Sit back and down as if lowering into a chair, keeping your chest up.
  3. Lower until your thighs are roughly parallel to the ground, or as deep as control allows.
  4. Drive through your whole foot to stand back up.

Coaching cues

Sets and reps

3 sets of 12–15

Where you'll see this exercise

Browse the full exercise library or return to the Strength Training for Soccer Players guide.