Difference between box squat--and "barbell squat to bench"

Marmalina

Here are videos of the two.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/box-squat


http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/barbell-squat-to-a-bench

They are basically the same except in one you actually sit back on the bench and in the other you just let your bum tap it. What would be the benefits of actually sitting back vs just lighting touching the box ?

gmjminsz

Box squat is an effective and standard way to improve back squat form, and I would recommend this.

Conversely, squatting to a bench would probably only teach you correct depth, not form, and in my view would be more dangerous by encouraging people to bounce back up. In the link you posted, the level for that exercise is 'expert'. I can't see any reason for doing a squat like this. Box squats, in contrast, are not an expert lift and seem to be far superior.

This is a good guide to box squats:
http://stronglifts.com/build-explosive-strength-how-to-perform-box-squats/