Straddle Deadlift (Jefferson Lift)
by Al Myers
Chad Ullom performing a 550# Jefferson Lift at the 2012 USAWA National Championships.
The last lift of the TWO DAY competition will be the Straddle Deadlift, or the Jefferson Lift as it is often called in USAWA competitions. This is another “classic” All Round Lift and has been contested often in World Meets.
The IAWA Rules for the Straddle Deadlift are:
C12. STRADDLE DEADLIFT (JEFFERSON)
The rules of performance for the deadlift apply, except that the lifter will straddle the bar. The lifter can face any direction, and the foot spacing is optional, but the feet must be placed one either side of the bar. The bar may ride against either leg during the lift, but must not be supported, or make any descent.
Causes for Failure:
1. The causes for failure are the same as for the deadlift, except that the lifter stands astride the bar, in the straddle position.
The USAWA Rules are practically the same, except the USAWA Rules state that the bar is allowed to rotate during the lift. Of course this is allowed under the IAWA rules as well, since it is NOT stated that it not allowed. I just want to point out that this IS ALLOWED since it often occurs (the bar rotating) during the execution of the Jefferson Lift.