The halting clean deadlift is a pull variation that stops short of full extension at the top to strengthen the ability of the lifter to stay over the bar longer in the pull, strengthen the ability to keep the bar close to the body when the shoulders are in front of it, and to reinforce proper balance.
 
Perform a clean deadlift up to the designated height (usually mid to upper-thigh), keeping the shoulder joint in front of the bar, and the weight balanced evenly over the whole foot. If you’re not having to fight to keep the bar from swinging forward away from your legs, your shoulder joint is not in front of the bar. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds before returning the bar to the floor—you’ll never stand completely at the top.
 
Notes
The tendency will be to shift to the heels and bring the shoulders too far back to avoid the difficulty and discomfort of the correct pause position. Reduce the weight if you’re unable to do it correctly—incorrect balance and position at the top defeats the purpose.
 
Purpose
The halting clean deadlift strengthens the ability of the lifter to stay over the bar longer in the pull, strengthens the ability to keep the bar close to the body when the shoulders are in front of it, and reinforces proper balance.
 
Programming
Generally the halting clean deadlift should be done for 2-6 reps per set with a 2-3 second pause and anywhere from 70%-100% of the lifter’s best clean depending on the lifter and how it fits into the program. Loading will be significantly less than a lifter is capable of managing with a clean deadlift. In any case, the weight should not exceed what the lifter can do with proper positioning or it is failing to achieve the intended purpose. As a heavy strength exercise, it should normally be placed toward the end of a workout but before squats.
 
Variations
The halting clean deadlift can be performed standing on a riser, with the pause at different positions, with a static or dynamic start, and from blocks or hang.