Any good tips for deadlifting?

Hi John

Here is my list of tips:

Start light and get the technique right, then just add a few pounds per week until you max out and then take 25% off the weight and start building up slowly again.

Once you've been doing them for a while, you can mix up the reps. do 20 rep days and days when you pyramid up to 2 reps for the heavier weight.

Always keep your chin up (which helps you keep the desired curvature of the spine). Focus the power through your heels as you lift.

Use lifting straps for your heaviest set and wear training shoes that have a very low heal - NOT running shoes. The more you elevate your feet/heels off the ground, the further you have to lift the bar and the more you are likely to arch your back, ruin your form and be susceptible to injury. I use good old fashioned Converse All Stars.

Finally, deadlifts are the ultimate "compound exercise" and probably has the greatest carry over to developing strength and power for most sports and in general.

slow and controlled.

Form is very important in order to not injure the back, so no arching the spine. (good points on form Mark)

Slight correction, for some power and speed sports, power cleans and the related power lifts may be just as important as deadlifts for increasing strength and power.