Most guys think deadlifting is simple.
Grip, rip, and stand up.
But the truth is, most of your progress is being left on the table—because your form sucks.
This post breaks down exactly how to fix it.
We’re not just giving you theory.
This is the same real-time coaching our Iron Forge clients get every week.
Deadlifting with poor technique doesn’t just stall your progress.
It leads to injury, inconsistent results, and a weak posterior chain.
If your back is always sore, your grip is failing, or your hips shoot up first—you’re not doing it right.
Strength doesn’t come from pulling harder.
It comes from precision.
1. Bar Path
If the bar isn’t moving in a straight line, you’re leaking force.
Check your starting position: the bar should be directly over your shoelaces.
Too far forward? The bar will swing toward you.
Too close? It’ll drift away from your shins.
Fix: Midfoot alignment. Start with the bar over the laces—every time.
2. Tension and Engagement
If you’re yanking the bar with loose arms, you’re not pulling tight.
Before the bar even leaves the floor, you should be:
Pulling the slack out of the bar
Packing your lats
Retracting your scapula
Bracing your core
Think of it as a full-body setup—arms are hooks, your back is locked, and your hips are ready to drive.
3. Hip Position and Timing
Most form breakdowns happen in the first inch of the lift.
If your hips rise before the bar moves, you’re pulling with your back—not pushing through the ground.
This is the difference between a clean pull and a stiff-leg nightmare.
Fix: Think “press,” not “pull.” Use your legs to drive the floor away from you.
4. Glute Engagement at Lockout
Too many guys finish with their lower back.
That’s not power—it’s compensation.
Instead, think about snapping your hips forward.
The cue: Pretend your life depends on squeezing your glutes at the top.
It’s not just a finish—it’s the most important part of the lift.
In this video, we review real client deadlifts, give form feedback, and break down coaching cues in real time.
We even look at PR attempts, fatigue sets, and elite examples like John Haack to show you what right looks like.
This is the exact technical breakdown our Iron Forge members get every week.
Inside the Iron Forge, we don’t just hand you a plan.
We teach you how to train the right way.
You’ll get:
Custom programs
Weekly group coaching calls
Real-time video feedback
Community support
Accountability from experienced coaches
And right now, you can try it risk-free.
Tap the link below to take the training assessment and see if it’s a fit.
https://training.theironforge.us/about-my-training
