questions about working the back ?
 

how much volume does the back need to grow ? I was going to use the steve reeves workout after starting strength but it only has 7 working sets for the back

does the back need to be hit with a range of exercises ? for instance when I perform chin-ups it hits my upper back much more than when deadlifting

7 working sets are plenty. And deadlifts hit the whole back, including upper trapeziuz and the lats in a way that nothing else does. Heavy pulls are the way to a big and strong back!

so this is definatly enough ?

monday
rows 3x12
wednesday
rows 3x12
friday
deadlifts 3x5 one working set

If you're pushing for progression and adding weight to the bar each week, that will be plenty.

LtL

cheers.

I cant wait to start the reeves workout.11 sets working the triceps and 6 sets working the biceps a day with a good diet will give me those arms I have always wanted:)

That's plenty. I've never really worked over 9 sets per body part per week. Sometimes I went as high as 12.

Like the guys said, the real magic is in progression. If you get a 500 deadlift and are rowing 275, your back will have a quality amount of size.

do power cleans work the whole back or just the lower back ?

sorry just realized that I have already asked this questions , cleans work the whole back , it just feels like it focuses more on the lower back to me

what do you guys think is the better lift power cleans or barbell rows ?

Power cleans will hit your lower back and shoulders with just a little upper back. Barbell rows will hit your upper back hard, with just a little lower back.

As far as what's better, that's hard to say because they're different movements in many ways. I would, however, say that rows are far more important to include compared to power cleans.

Personally, I think you need a good reason to do Power Cleans. I just feel there are other lifts that hit the back muscles and build strength just as well [or better] than Power Cleans. Not to mention that these other lifts, like Deadlifts, Rows, Chins, etc, are easier to learn and safer to perform. Just my 2 cents.