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Originally Posted by
rumblefish
Op I deadlifted like you for a long time. I follow the "perfect setup every time." The problem with that description is the part where it says your shins should be about 1 inch from the bar. I am a bit of a motor moron, however, I think there is too much variability in this metric. I can feel when my weight is balanced over the middle of my foot. I can maintain the weight in the middle of my foot and simultaneously change the angle of my shins by at least 15 degrees by changing the position of my hips and shoulders. For me, this cue to be 1" from the bar puts me too close to the bar because as I bend over to look down at my shins, my shoulders go forward and my hips go back. So 1" while I'm looking at it is not 1" if I am standing bolt upright. So, you need to be aware of this if you are using the distance from the bar cue. I dramatically fixed my deadlift form by measuring and drawing a chalk line on my shoes at the middle my feet and placing the bar over those lines. Whereas before, my knees would be at the back of my elbows, this puts my knees just inside my elbows. I am stronger off the floor because I am actually using my quads and my back is not rounding like it was because it is in a less horizontal position. Just be sure not to overcorrect and start hips too low. The sweet spot is where the bar breaks from the floor.