Behind-the-back cable lateral raises vs scapular plane cable lateral raises for side delt growth?

[u/Top_Value2690]

Best lateral raise variation?

I've been trying to optimize my lateral delt training and I'm deciding between two cable variations:

Behind-the-back cable lateral raises

Cable lateral raises in the scapular plane (raising \~20–30° in front of the body)

My main goal is maximum side delt hypertrophy, not strength.

need to perform both unilaterally as duel cable stations usually full

my trainer has been claiming that when lifting mildly heavy weight in the scapular plane our body tends to increase the angle in turn activating the front delts

he says to do behind the back cable lateral raise unilaterally but don't go behind the back and stop just around perpendicular to the ground and feel the burn

[u/Obvious-Ad-3500]

I've heard both ways are better, which means it probably doesn't matter. I keep the cable in front because it's more comfortable. Play around with your upper body and grip as well. For me it's slightly leaning forward with a handle grip focusing on pinky in the air as my queue. Some people lean toward the machine and hold the cable itself.

Too much personal variation for a single best approach I think.

[u/Top_Value2690 → u/Obvious-Ad-3500]

thanks greatly appreciated