Matt,My opinion is that there are several ways to correctly train the squat. As long as you're keeping your back flat to slightly arched, getting below parallel and your knees do not cave in towards the middle, and keeping your head up, then you're performing the squat correctly. As far as gripping the bar, I like to have my hands as close together as I can as this increases the size of my traps and gives me a nice shelf to put the bar on. But I don't think this really is important, just a preference.Squat style all depends on what you are training for. For athletes, I like to vary stances (change width, stagger, lateral shifting, lunge squat, split etc.). Most power lifters will perform the squat with their feet as wide as possible and toes really pointed out. This shortens the distance that they have to move the bar, and makes it a little easier for them to get the depth, since many lack the flexibility needed to get parallel with a narrow stance.But since you are a weightlifter, you are going to want to train with a similar stance as your clean catch. This should be with your heels wide enough to fit your hips between them or slightly wider than shoulder width. Your toes should point out a little bit and keep your knees from caving toward the center. You may also want to train the full squat 50% of the time or so, rather than just the parallel squat since success in the clean and the snatch can depend on getting out of the deep squat. Make sure that you have the flexiblity in your hamstrings and low back before attempting a weighted full squat.
