Originally Posted by
MannyPrieto
I personally don't use FSL or BBB with deadlifts - after I do my main sets I usually switch to a variation such as snatch grip deads or RDLs or something similar for assistance work. That being said, I never had an issue with the three main 5/3/1 sets and deadlifting.
To me, the first two sets of 5/3/1 are more like "warm-up" sets - they should set you up for a great work set rather than drain you. Yes they are important (Wendler wouldn't have put them in otherwise - something he has stated in writing multiple times), and you should do them with effort (just like warm-up sets with any program), but they shouldn't be so heavy that you find yourself grinding or worrying if you're going to miss. If the first two sets really are that hard, you should lower your Training Max. This is one of the few "main lift" modifications you can do that wouldn't constitute YNDTP.