You’re Deadlifting Wrong – Here’s How to Fix It

Deadlifts are a fundamental strength movement, but are you actually performing them correctly? In this video, James Smith works with Sebastian Oreb (The Australian Strength Coach) to refine deadlift mechanics, eliminate common mistakes, and reveal the best cues for maximizing strength while staying injury-free. If you've ever struggled with back pain, grip issues, poor lockout, or losing tightness at the bottom, this breakdown will completely change how you deadlift. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced lifter, these coaching insights will help you lift heavier with better technique. What You’ll Learn in This Video: How to set up for a deadlift like a pro The biggest deadlift mistake that weakens your pull and increases injury risk How to take the slack out of the bar for a stronger and safer lift Lat engagement and bar path mastery to keep the bar close and prevent energy leaks The science behind dropping vs. lowering the bar and whether eccentric loading matters Mixed grip vs. hook grip – what’s the best option for strength Optimal rest periods between heavy deadlift sets How strength athletes measure progress beyond just barbell weight Want to Train Like the Best? Join Sebastian Oreb’s VIP Mentorship Program If you’re a coach, lifter, or personal trainer and want to: Master lifting techniques with elite coaching Get real feedback on your programming and training Scale your business and coaching career Apply now for Sebastian’s VIP Mentorship → https://strengthsystem.com/vip-online-mentorship-program/ Like and subscribe for more expert strength coaching content. Turn on notifications so you never miss a video. Comment below: What’s your biggest struggle with deadlifts? Let’s talk about it. 00:00 – The Truth About Deadlifting 00:04 – Why Pound-for-Pound Strength Matters 00:18 – How Strength Athletes Measure Relative Strength 00:42 – When Was James’ Last Heavy Deadlift? 01:10 – The Warm-Up Process for Strength and Powerlifting 02:06 – The Correct Deadlift Setup for Maximal Strength 02:52 – The Most Important Cue: Taking the Slack Out of the Bar 03:36 – Soft Knees and Lockout Mistakes (How to Fix Them) 04:20 – Are You Pushing or Just Pulling? (Why It Matters) 06:10 – Should You Drop or Lower the Bar? (The Eccentric Debate) 07:15 – Lat Engagement – The Key to a Stronger, Safer Deadlift 08:55 – The Biggest Deadlifting Mistake and How to Avoid It 10:32 – Bicep Tears in Mixed Grip – Should You Be Worried? 12:02 – Can We Push for a 210kg Deadlift PR? 14:26 – Why Technique Matters More Than Raw Strength 16:00 – How Rest Periods Impact Heavy Deadlifting Performance 16:38 – What’s the Optimal Rest Between Max Effort Sets?