One-Minute Deadlift Tip: The Wedge

Success with the deadlift always hinges on a solid setup. If your starting position is off, you’re unlikely to pull a strong deadlift—and it can feel pretty discouraging.
THE WEDGE
When it comes to setup, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. We’re all built differently, with varying limb lengths, torso lengths, and hip orientation, which affects what feels best and how much weight we can lift.
That said, there are two universal principles for the deadlift setup that apply to every lifter:
1. USE THE WEDGE.
Popularized by Dr. Stuart McGill, it’s a reliable way to set yourself up for success and protect your back. Basically, when you bend over to grab the bar, you want to use it as a counterbalance to pull your chest up and get your hips down, wedging yourself between the bar and the floor.
2. NOW THINK, ARMPITS OVER THE BAR, WITH MAXIMAL HAMSTRING TENSION.
I even made a video to illustrate this…