What it measures
Maximum total-body pulling strength, dominated by hip and posterior-chain contribution. Best single proxy for hip-extension strength.
Equipment
- Barbell, calibrated plates (allowing the bar to start at 9-inch height), collars
- Lifting platform or non-slip surface
- Optional: chalk, lifting belt, straps (record what was used)
Protocol
- Warm-up: 5 reps at 50%, 3 reps at 70%, 1 rep at 85%, 1 rep at 92%.
- Athlete chooses stance — conventional or sumo. Stick with one stance through the testing block.
- Bar must start from the floor (not from blocks or rack pulls).
- Lift to full hip and knee extension with shoulders behind the bar. Bar can pause at the top before being lowered under control.
- 3–5 minutes between attempts. Max 5 attempts.
Scoring
Absolute load lifted (kg or lb). Relative strength (1RM ÷ bodyweight) included in the Performance Index.
Typical ranges
Elite male strength athletes: 2.5–3.5× bodyweight. NCAA football linemen: 2.0–2.8×. NCAA women's soccer: 1.5–2.0×.
References
- Hales ME, Johnson BF, Johnson JT (2009). Kinematic analysis of the powerlifting style squat and the conventional deadlift during competition. J Strength Cond Res.
Use this test in Performance House
Performance House supports Deadlift 1RM as a built-in test metric — log results from any device, see longitudinal trends, and contribute the result to the athlete's Performance Index automatically. Free for up to 5 athletes on the Starter plan.
Browse the full protocol library for related tests, or jump to one of the related protocols below.