This past week of training brought some positives along with some frustrations:

• I was able to perform depth jumps without knee pain. The last time I attempted this exercise was over 6 months ago. Out of all of the jumping exercises, this is by far my favorite. Those times in my life when my vertical was at its highest, I was performing either squats or deadlifts along with depth jumps; depth jumps were always part of the equation.  
• My squats are coming along nicely. I am anxious to get 300 pounds on my sets.
• My vertical measurements at the beginning of this week were, well, weak. I was tired from work and just couldn't seem to get warmed up no matter what I did. I am playing basketball tonight, so I'll re-measure my vertical after playing a couple of games.
• I was pretty sore after weightlifting on Monday, but I feel great today. Hopefully, I can complete the remainder of my workouts this week.

I've had bad knees in the past, and here are some thoughts I've had regarding squats and how to protect your knees:

• Always squat. Even if you have to use an empty bar because of lack of experience, injury, weakness, or sore joints, keep squatting. My knees have always benefitted from it.
• Go slightly below parallel.
• Squeeze the glutes to activate the hips and to not put too much stress on the knees.
• you need to feel tension, or a stretch, in the hamstrings at the bottom of the movement.
• Keep your weight on your heels throughout the entire movement.

I'll let you know how the rest of the week goes.