Landing and Squat are two of the movements the body is built on. This page compares them side by side — how they differ mechanically, what they have in common, and where each shows up — without calling either "better".
How they differ
A squat is a controlled, cyclical strength pattern moving through flexion and extension under bodyweight or external load; a landing is a rapid, impact-driven eccentric absorption that resolves in a fraction of a second.
What they share
- Both develop balance, power and muscular strength.
- Both work the quadriceps, glutes, calves and hamstrings.
- Both show up in basketball and volleyball.
What each emphasises
Neither is “better” — they simply ask for different things.
Landing
BalanceCoordinationPowerAgility
Squat
Muscular strengthPowerBalanceMobility
Explore both movements
Related skills
Related techniques
Exercises that train them
The science behind them
Common questions
- What is the difference between landing and squat?
- A squat is a controlled, cyclical strength pattern moving through flexion and extension under bodyweight or external load; a landing is a rapid, impact-driven eccentric absorption that resolves in a fraction of a second.
- Are landing and squat the same movement?
- No — although they are often mentioned together, they are separate movements with their own mechanics. They do share some ground: both develop balance, power and muscular strength.
Educational, not a verdict
This is a general, educational comparison of how two movements work — not coaching instruction or a claim that one is better. Build up gradually and, if in doubt, check with a qualified professional.
More movement comparisons
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Follow the threads that connect Landing vs Squat to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Movement patterns
- LandingThe controlled absorption of force at ground contact that ends an airborne phase, dissipating impact through eccentric triple flexion of the ankle, knee and hip.
- SquatA knee-dominant pattern: bending the hips, knees and ankles to lower and rise while keeping the torso upright — the foundation of lower-body strength.
- JumpThe plyometric pattern of projecting the body off the ground through explosive triple extension and controlling the landing — the core expression of lower-body power.
Practice & sessions
Techniques
- The pull and the hookThe two cross-batted strokes that punish short bowling — how the pull and the hook differ, the height of the ball that separates them, and the risk each one carries.
- Topspin ForehandA forehand groundstroke hit with a low-to-high swing that puts forward spin on the ball so it dips and kicks up on landing.
- Seam bowlingMovement off the pitch rather than through the air — how landing the ball on its seam deviates it at the bounce, and why seam and swing are different skills that look alike.
- Bodyweight SquatA foundational lower-body exercise that lowers the hips by bending the knees and hips, then stands back up, using only body weight.
Knowledge Atlas
Exercises
- Wall sitA holding exercise where you sit against a wall with no chair, holding a squat position still.
- Goblet squatA squat variation where you hold a single weight close to your chest for balance and control.
- Bulgarian split squatA single-leg squat where the back foot is raised on a bench behind you.
- BurpeeA full-body exercise combining a squat, a plank, and a jump in one flowing movement.
- Jump squatAn explosive squat variation where you spring off the floor at the top of the movement.
How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Movement comparison
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-07-13
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