The Importance of Correct Deadlift Technique

One of the main responsibilities of a coach is to ensure that clients maintain a correct lumbar spine position when performing a deadlift. This involves keeping the lower back flat and in extension throughout the entire movement. However, some coaches may struggle to properly cue and correct this position, resulting in clients performing deadlifts with a rounded back. Instead of addressing and fixing the issue, some coaches may opt to switch to rack pulls, where the bar is set at a higher position, allowing the client to maintain a better back position. However, this approach does not solve the problem and can even give a false sense of progress. Coaches need to understand how to teach and enforce the correct deadlift technique, starting with lower weights and troubleshooting any issues that arise. Ultimately, it is the coach's responsibility to ensure that clients are performing deadlifts with the correct lumbar spine position for optimal safety and effectiveness.