Sumo question

[genarr3]

I deadlifted conventional style for years until chronic back pain made me stop. Not that anything was damaged, it just got old having a sore back all the time.
Recently I've started Sumo style, recently being the past two years. I love Sumo, I find it a more natural movement and I have no back issues whatsoever.
The problem I have is I don't seem to be able to generate good leverage/strength on the bottom. From the floor to the first 3 - 5 inches of the lift. After that I have no problem. No grip or locking out problems to speak of.
What really burns me is I can't do what I used to do conventional, not even close and I'm 20lbs heavier now and much stronger. It's not specify leg strength that's my problem, my Squat has improved greatly the past two years. I'm not saying it couldn't be a specific area of my legs, just that leg strength in general is good.
Any tips or assistance movement ideas.
Thanks in advance,

 

[slobberknocker]

Hmm. Maybe hips and hamstrings. Definitely pullthroughs and glute ham raises. GM's and some box squats wouldn't hurt either.

Did you ever see anyone about your back problems?

 

[genarr3]

Hmm. Maybe hips and hamstrings. Definitely pullthroughs and glute ham raises. GM's and some box squats wouldn't hurt either.

Did you ever see anyone about your back problems?

Been doing glute ham raises long time, same with box squats. "Pullthroughs"? Don't know what that is.

 

[slobberknocker]

http://www.asylum-strength.com/videos/hampullthrough.wmv

 

[genarr3]

http://www.asylum-strength.com/videos/hampullthrough.wmv

That looks good! Thanks bro.

 

[sk*]

Maybe some speed deads?

-sk

 

[slobberknocker]

No problem genarr.

sk* has a good point. Speed deads would probably help that sticking point too.

 

[rjl296]

thats my weak point too.
i do deads off mats as an ME movement

 

[genarr3]

Maybe some speed deads?

-sk

I usually do speed deads in the begining of my lifting cycles. Maybe I'll employ them more.
Thanks.

 

[genarr3]

thats my weak point too.
i do deads off mats as an ME movement

I'm going to give that a try.
Thanks

 

[phatman42]

I love doing pullthroughs as a finisher movement at the end of my ME Squat days

 

[Cuthbert]

I pull sumo, and have the exact same issues that you do. I find that box squats and speed deads are the most important part.

I think the fact that I box squat with a wide stance (in addition to my body type) is why I pull better sumo... if you don't box squat wide, you might want to give it a try.

 

[genarr3]

I pull sumo, and have the exact same issues that you do. I find that box squats and speed deads are the most important part.

I think the fact that I box squat with a wide stance (in addition to my body type) is why I pull better sumo... if you don't box squat wide, you might want to give it a try.

Good point. I don't box wide.
Thanks,

 

[perkele]

Sumo style sucks!

 

[HeavyBomber]

How wide is your stance?
Since you have been a strong conventional lifter you may consider narrowing your sumo stance to incorporate the quads more at the bottom of the lift. -Just a suggestion...

 

[genarr3]

How wide is your stance?
Since you have been a strong conventional lifter you may consider narrowing your sumo stance to incorporate the quads more at the bottom of the lift. -Just a suggestion...

My shins touch the rings. I've often thought about this exact thing, and have narrrowed my stance on occasion with this in mind.

But I think the real difference is when conventional deadlifting my shoulders are further back, Sumo they have to be further forward to get my arms between my legs.

This has got me thinking. Maybe I'm not leaning back far enough. I always make it a point to look as far up as I can before the lift, but that doesn't necessarily translate into an erect stance.

This is something to think about next dead day.

Thanks for the input.