In powerlifting, what does the term "depth" refer to?

In powerlifting, "depth" specifically refers to the extent to which the lifter's hips drop below the knees during a squat. This is a crucial aspect of the squat that is monitored by referees, as depth must meet specific criteria to ensure the lift is valid. According to the rules of powerlifting, a successful squat requires that the lifter's hip crease be below the top of the knee at the lowest point of the squat.

Proper depth is essential not only for compliance with competition standards but also for demonstrating effective technique and achieving the desired training outcomes. When a lifter achieves proper depth, it indicates that they are engaging the appropriate muscle groups effectively, contributing to the strength and functionality of the lift.

The other choices do not accurately define "depth" as it relates specifically to the squat. Difficulty of the lift pertains to the overall challenge presented by the weight and technique rather than a specific measurement like depth. The position of the feet and the height from which the lift is initiated relate to other aspects of the lift but do not define the critical factor of how low the lifter's hips go in relation to their knees.