When the hips do not move back to initiate the descent in a deadlift, which cue is appropriate?

• A. Push the bar forward with hips.
• B. Lower the hips first and then push the bar back.
• C. Cue the athlete to initiate the return by pushing the hips back and delaying the knee bend until the bar passes below the knees.
• D. Stand up tall to start the descent.

Answer: (C)

Start the descent with a strong hip hinge: push the hips back first while keeping the chest tall and the bar close to the body. This moves the hips toward their rear position, engages the glutes and hamstrings, and maintains a near-vertical bar path over the midfoot. By delaying knee bend until the bar passes below the knees, you prevent the bar from drifting forward or catching on the knees and you control the descent with the spine in a stable, neutral position. Together, these cues preserve proper mechanics and reduce the risk of losing balance or rounding the back as you lower the bar.