In my opinion, the deadlift is the most important lift in a meet. It is the lifter's last chance to win. That is why I have put a lot of work into it. My cycle for the deadlift is 12 weeks. It consists of three weeks of eight reps, four weeks of five reps, four weeks of three reps, and the week before the meet includes just a double at or around your opener.

Assistance work is done on Tuesday because I deadlift on Saturday It consists of three sets of chin-ups (with weight) for eight reps, two sets of eight reps of long pulley rows, and two sets of 20 reps of shrugs with a front grip to improve gripping strength. The poundages I have selected for this routine assume the lifter coming into the routine deadlifted 600 pounds in his last meet. Adjust your poundages proportionately if necessary

I deadlift sumo style, so conventional deadlifts are done after my sumo deadlifts. If you are a conventional deadlifter, just do your first three weeks of the cycle off a two-inch block. No bouncing. Regardless of whether or not you are using sumo or conventional style there are three steps to remember. After you set up, do these in order:

1) Drive with the legs.
2) Pull the weight into your body.
3) Pull the head up and back while pushing the chest out.