I don't want to give powerlifters any credit for inventing half squat exercise with wide stance, so I'm going to call it "sumo" thus giving respect to Japanese fighters. 

Something interesting to share, just so you could compare your own lifting...

You guys probably know that I generally don't like American weightlifting methods.

Particularly, I find most  internet squat advice rubbish. 

Many people even think I'm Anti-American... 
Quite to the contrary, as I do appreciate American Bodybuilding, Track&Field, and Powerlifting training methods, I'm just very selective. 
Introducing today special squat exercise for vastus medialis muscle.

Don't follow random weightlifters, you will learn bad technique.

Here is a collection of good lifts to observe. Heavy weights and competition pressure, some struggle, yet surprisingly little deviation from norm.

Try watching them before or during your lifting session for extra motivation. 

I received several questions recently about keeping the bar close in the first pull (to right above the knee.)

I will explain some basics and offer simple solutions. 

..you need to learn efficient way to lower barbell form overhead. Mainly to prevent injury  to any and every bodypart involved. 

The method I use differs from everything you read online on this subject.

Biggest problem that I have with any specialized squat program that uses a lot of volume, frequency, or intensity is the risk of injury,  typically knee or lower back.

Listen, Chinese weightlifters don't do it just to look cool. Panda pull really helps with technique, speed, and transfer of that speed technique  to actual lifts. 

I haven't seen any good online advice on teaching this movement, so please allow me to share my experience. 

Here is one particular combination that I like for fixing this problem.

As a weightlifter you should strive to achieve good level of endurance  early in the winter preparatory phase (far away from major competition,) and maintain it throughout the year. Higher level of endurance might (indirectly) improve your results on the platform.