I'll be quick because you're probably rushing off to the gym - but squatting is definitely not enough for your hamstrings!
It's quite common for people to think that they can "feel" their hamstrings being worked hard during squats, and therefore any additional hamstring training is not required for optimal muscle growth.
But data challenges this point of view!
Squatting and Hamstring Growth
Squats are far superior for your quadriceps and glutes in comparison to your hamstrings, as your hamstrings just simply aren't activated as much during the movement!
We've learnt that squat force and quadriceps activation is very strong in the context of your quadriceps, but quite low for the hamstrings (1). This is a reliable indication of how much your hamstrings are worked in the context of the squat.
Even adding more weight to the bar does NOT increase the activation of your hamstrings, but does cause a large rise in glute and quadriceps activation (2).
"But I squat so low, this DOES work my hamstrings, I use a FULL range of motion..."
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References
(1) Luera, M. J., Stock, M. S., & Chappell, A. D. (2014). Electromyographic amplitude vs. concentric and eccentric squat force relationships for monoarticular and biarticular thigh muscles. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28(2), 328-338.
(2) Li, Y., Cao, C., & Chen, X. (2013). Similar electromyographic activities of lower limbs between squatting on a reebok core board and ground. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 27(5), 1349.
(3) Gorsuch, J., Long, J., Miller, K., Primeau, K., Rutledge, S., Sossong, A., & Durocher, J. J. (2013). The effect of squat depth on multiarticular muscle activation in collegiate cross-country runners. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 27(9), 2619.
Author
Dayne Hudson