Deadlift Technique ala Rob Orlando

[Matt Trussell]

Quick technique question for folks:

I increased my PR deadlift this morning by 10 lbs! Whoo Hoo! But in getting there, I got the bar above my knee caps and as I straightened my back I kinda leaned back, sorta supporting the bar with my legs, and then straightened everything out and locked out. I watched Rob Orlando’s VikingFest video yesterday and got the thought from that, I wasn’t intending on doing it, but it was obviously in my head and it happened to get the bar all the way up. His technique on the 500+lbs deadlift was more pronounced then what I did, he looked like he was sitting back in a chair and then straightened out. So my question is; is this legit? It kinda seemed like cheating to me afterwards, but I did get the bar from start position to finish position, does what happens in between make that much difference? Curious what others think of this. I’m not going to get in the habit, but I’m counting that deadlift for now and if it happens, it happens I guess. Unless someone convinces me otherwise.

[Júlíus Magnússon]

Originally Posted by Matt Trussell

So my question is; is this legit?

Short answer: No.


Long answer:

Hitching like that is not allowed by the CrossFit Total rules or any powerlifting rules.

However, events like some strongman events and the '09 games deadlift event don't specify any rules for getting the barbell from point A to B and as such it would be allowed.

Personally, in a non-competitive environment, I would drop a deadlift before hitching like that due to risk of injury.

I guess it's similar to a press-out in the Olympic lifts, regarding whether or not you decide to count it as a PR. Some people do, some people don't. I wouldn't.

[Matt Trussell]

Ah, right, I do seem to recall reading something about motion of the bar going down on lifts, then it doesn’t count. I think that was with the shoulder press, if any time during the positive portion of the lift, the bar moves in the negative direction or stops moving, the lift isn’t counted. That makes sense, like I said, it felt like cheating afterwards, thought I’d get some other opinions. Thanks man, still at 365 then , oh well, next time I’ll get it legit.

[Júlíus Magnússon]

Originally Posted by Matt Trussell

I think that was with the shoulder press, if any time during the positive portion of the lift, the bar moves in the negative direction or stops moving, the lift isn’t counted.

This is actually the case with all the lifts. Squats, presses (and bench presses) as well as deadlifts.

[Jason Scheffler]

Originally Posted by Júlíus Magnússon

This is actually the case with all the lifts. Squats, presses (and bench presses) as well as deadlifts.

Stops moving though? What if the lifter is just stuck, digs deep and pulls it off without going the wrong direction or hitching?

[Júlíus Magnússon]

Originally Posted by Jason Scheffler

Stops moving though? What if the lifter is just stuck, digs deep and pulls it off without going the wrong direction or hitching?

Should have dug deeper quicker. :P

[Jason Scheffler]

Originally Posted by Júlíus Magnússon

Should have dug deeper quicker. :P

True enough.

[Chris J Mason]

Hitching is not allowed in powerlifting competitions. It is a way of cheating the weight up by sliding it across the body. It reduces the stress to the target musculature and makes the exercise less effective.

[Joel Legard]

Originally Posted by Jason Scheffler

Stops moving though? What if the lifter is just stuck, digs deep and pulls it off without going the wrong direction or hitching?

According to USAPL/IPF rules, the bar can stop, as long as there is no downward motion of the bar and you're not resting it on your thighs, the lift can still be good.