Thread: Spotting Techniques

Let me start out by saying that this is a big responsibility for either party. Choose your spotter wisely and make sure that you spot to your abilities.

• Pay attention to the person you are spotting at all times. Don't look at the pretty girl across the room doing deep knee bends.
• Be prepared to help the person being spotted instantly.
• Ask the person being spotted if they would like you to put your hands on the bar. (Some people do and some people don't)
• Ask the person being spotted how many reps they think then can handle on their own.
• Make sure that you can handle the weight that you are spotting. If you don't think you can handle it don't be macho and help anyway.
• Provide only the effort that the person requires from you. Don't jerk the weight around while someone is trying to lift it.
• Offer encouragement to the person lifting the weight. This really helps the person lifting the weight. They might be able to squeeze out those last reps.

I usually just give a "tap" or two at the sticking point. Me and my partner have this down perfectly. But when going for a 1rm I remind him if it starts going backwards just GRAB it and yank, otherwise hands off.