Ready for a bar?
Ready when: Cushion squats (b1) to Stand strong (b5) done and a qualified coach is found.
What the coach teaches
The coach checks readiness and decides the age for a stick and an empty bar; technique before load.
At home, safe only
Cushion squats (b1) to Stand strong (b5).
Ask the club
The coach's qualification, the youth safeguarding policy, how beginners are started on light weights with individual feedback, and whether young lifters are judged on technique.
What you can see from the side
Good squats without a bar, every time.
Self-check what the coach confirms
The coach watches 10 clean bodyweight squats and signs the child off.
Stop and get a coach when
Back, knee or wrist pain.
Basic is done when b1 to b4 self-checks are met and a club coach accepts the child.
awiseathlete.com/sports/weightlifting/weightlifting-b6