Podbit · Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
Athletic coaches from basketball to baseball all use the trap bar deadlift — not the conventional — because it can be learned fast, loaded quickly, and done explosively. Most sports never require hips below 90 degrees, so the conventional's posterior-dominant position rarely transfers.
Where this was said
At 10:25 · chapter starts 10:22
Sal makes a measured, evidence-based case: the trap bar deadlift isn't necessarily 'better' than the conventional pull, but for most athletes and recreational sports players it is the more pragmatic choice. It can be taught in a group setting and loaded within weeks; a conventional deadlift can take months to groove safely. Justin draws on his experience programming for student athletes, where the time-between-seasons constraint made the trap bar's low learning curve decisive. Adam notes that almost no sport — save wrestling — requires hips below 90 degrees, making the conventional's posterior-dominant position largely irrelevant for basketball, football, soccer, or baseball players. [1] — Sal Di Stefano "Athletic coaches from basketball to baseball all use the trap bar deadlift — not the conventional — because it can be learned fast, loaded …" 10:25 The explosive bonus is a key differentiator: coaches regularly program jump variations with the trap bar, something that would be reckless with a straight bar. Sal closes by simply pointing to what elite coaches actually do — and they all use the trap bar.
Athletic coaches working with NBA, NFL, and MLB athletes overwhelmingly prefer the trap bar deadlift over conventional deadlift for sport-specific strength development.
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