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Exercise Guide

How to do barbell clean deadlift

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The clean deadlift is a variation of the traditional deadlift that mimics the first pull of a power clean. It requires a lower hip position and a more upright torso, placing more emphasis on the quadriceps and upper back. This exercise is vital for Olympic weightlifters to build the specific strength and positioning needed for successful cleans while also developing overall pulling power.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Foot Position: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes slightly turned out (about 15 degrees). The bar should be over the middle of your foot, close to your shins.
  2. Grip: Use a hook grip (thumb under your fingers) or a mixed grip (one hand overhand, one hand underhand) if needed. Your grip should be just outside your legs.
  3. Hip Hinge: Push your hips back and bend your knees until your shins contact the barbell. Your back should be flat or have a slight arch, chest up, and shoulders directly over the bar.
  4. Tension: Engage your lats by "pulling the slack out of the bar." Your arms should be straight and shoulders packed.

The Lift:

  1. Initial Pull: Push through the floor with your legs, keeping your back angle consistent. The bar should stay close to your legs as it travels upward.
  2. Knee Pass: As the bar passes your knees, aggressively open your hips while maintaining a vertical torso. The bar should brush against your thighs.
  3. Full Extension: Stand tall with your hips and knees fully extended. Avoid leaning back excessively.
  4. Lowering: Control the barbell back to the ground, hinging at your hips and maintaining a neutral spine. Touch the bar to the ground before starting the next repetition.

Tips:

  • Focus on leg drive: The initial pull should be driven primarily by your legs.
  • Keep the bar close: The bar should stay in contact with your body throughout the entire lift.
  • Hip extension: The hip extension (second pull) should be powerful and explosive.
  • Breathing: Take a deep breath before the lift, hold it during the first pull, and exhale forcefully as you extend your hips.

Common mistakes: Lowering the hips too much like a squat and losing upper back tightness during the setup.

Alternatives

Hip Thrust Machine

machine hipthrust

Glutes
Bench

barbell hip thrust

Glutes
Bench

bench glute bridge

Glutes
Barbell

barbell clean deadlift

GlutesHamstrings+1
Resistance Band

resistance band lateral walk

Glutes
Resistance Band

resistance band clam shell

Glutes
Bench

single leg hip thrust

Glutes
Barbell

barbell rack pull

GlutesHamstrings
Cable

cable pull through

GlutesHamstrings
Kettlebell

kettlebell swing

GlutesHamstrings+2
Cable

cable hip adduction

Glutes
Seated Hip Adduction Machine

seated hip adduction

Glutes
Seated Hip Abduction Machine

seated hip abduction

Glutes
Back Extension Machine

machine back extension

Glutes
Bench

glute bridge on bench

Glutes
Bench

dumbbell bulgarian split squat

GlutesQuads
Back Extension

back extension(hyperextension)

GlutesHamstrings
Jump Box

box jump

GlutesQuads+2