Deadlift Like a Pro: 5 Cues That Actually Work

Whether you’re chasing your first double-bodyweight pull or just trying to clean up your form, the deadlift is a movement that demands precision. At GritLab, we don’t overcomplicate, we coach the essentials. The five cues below are the exact ones I use with the GritLab crew to build strong, repeatable technique.

1. Head Neutral

Your spine follows your eyes. If your gaze is all over the place, looking up at the mirror or down between your feet, your posture will suffer.

Cue: Fix your gaze on the floor 6–10 feet in front of you. This puts your head in line with your spine and helps you lock in a strong, neutral position from top to bottom.

2. Lats Down and Back

One of the most underrated aspects of a solid deadlift? Lat engagement. Without it, the bar drifts away from you, your back rounds, and your pull will be less efficient.

Cue: Imagine pinching an object in your armpits or “bending the bar” around your body to activate your lats. You should feel your upper back tighten, your lats flex toward hips, and your chest sticking out proud before the pull starts.

3. Long Arms, Pull the Slack Out

The best lifters don’t “yank” the bar, they build tension first. This cue ensures you’re tight from the start and not jerking into position.

Cue: Keep your arms long like cables. Pull the slack out of the bar by pulling against until you hear the click of the barbell without picking up from the ground. That click means everything is tight and ready to go. Then you start your lift.

4. Push the Floor Away

A lot of deadlift issues start with the wrong intent. Instead of thinking “pull the bar,” think “push the floor away.”

Cue: Drive your feet through the floor like you’re doing a leg press. This keeps your hips and shoulders rising together from the start of the lift, maintaining a consistent back angle, and engages your quads from the start. Instead of only glutes and hamstrings, the more muscles we can recruit on any lift, the better.

5. Stand Tall

The lockout is often rushed or overdone. You want to finish strong, but with control. Not overextend the back.

Cue: Stand tall by squeezing your glutes at the top and stacking your ribs over your hips. Avoid leaning back or throwing your shoulders behind you. Think of taking your head to the ceiling.

Put It Into Practice

These cues aren’t magic, but they are reliable. Reps done with intention lead to better strength, safer lifts, and long-term gains.

At GritLab, we train with purpose. Whether you’re following our team programming or building your blueprint 1:1, we keep your training smart and effective.

Want a second pair of eyes on your pull? Shoot me a DM on Instagram @coach_zulon or an email at gritlabtraining@gmail.com