If you find front squatting with the clean grip painful or simply don't have the patience to develop the flexibility for it, try attaching a pair of straps to the bar.
By using straps, the front squat can be more comfortable and ultimately more productive, allowing you to focus more on the exercise.
The act of pulling on the straps keeps your elbows up by acting as a proprioceptive tool, making it easier to maintain the rack position.
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Over the past few years I've seen many lifters and coaches discussing the seemingly strange movements I prescribe for strength development. Many of these guys are grasping the big picture but missing many of the finer points. To remedy this, I've written this "toolbox" series to help experienced lifters fill in the blanks and newer lifters learn about some very effective exercises.
A quick and dirty old-school routine you can do in 6 to 10 minutes.
Finish off your traps with these unique exercise variations.
Bench heavier and blast through plateaus. Here's how.