There are two ends of the spectrum when it comes to the execution of the barbell row:
Before you start, set your base. The supportive muscle groups need to be in the safest and most stable position during movement execution. For this to happen you need to lock down the joints at angles where the antagonist muscles would perform a strong isometric role.
Once you're in position, there's a few things to do to make the actual rowing part more effective.
People often wonder what the angle of the torso should be during the barbell row. You can use the bar as a guide for finding an optimal torso angle and proper rowing range of motion.
At the lowest point in the range of motion, the bar should be a little below the knee.
If the lowest position the bar gets in is above the knee, which is usually the case for dry humpers, then you're basically doing a slightly bent-over shrug and taking the lats and upper back through a very limited range of motion. The traps are doing most of the work. Trap work is awesome, but there's better ways to develop the traps than bump-and-grind rowing.
Just below the knee is the sweet spot where you can use the appropriate amount of weight for full range of motion and for a decent amount of reps (8-12). It's true the lats can get more lengthened if you go a little lower, but you may compromise a strong lumbar position in doing so.
This is another thing that confuses people. If you pull the bar to your chest, then the moment-arm from the hips to the bar becomes very long and the lower back bears the brunt of the counter-balance. Put less stress on the low back so that the mid-back musculature can hog most of the tension.
To coach yourself, remember: Weight on heels, load the posterior chain, elbows back to activate lats, scapula down to engage upper back, bar lowered directly below knees, pull bar into the lower abs. It's not that hard. Now row some big weights.
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