In this episode of Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast we continue our discussion on Powerlifting Game Day Strategy. We focus on the nuances of managing and competing at the highest levels of powerlifting, with a particular emphasis on coaching advanced athletes through regional, pro, national, and international powerlifting competitions. This episode is designed for advanced lifters and new lifters entering the higher competition circuit, and their coaches who are preparing for national and international competitions, offering actionable strategies to optimize performance when every detail matters.

Coach Alyssa breaks down the critical differences between advanced lifters and those at the beginner or intermediate levels, exploring how a lifter’s game day strategy evolves as they progress in the sport. From refining the technical aspects of attempt selection to the mental fortitude required for high-stakes competition, we cover everything you need to know about navigating the challenges that come with elite-level powerlifting meets.

Key topics include:

• Building a Competitive Powerlifting Total: How to strategically plan attempts to build a winning total, including handling the psychology of openers, progressions, and third attempts.

• Handling Red Lights in a Meet: What to do when an attempt doesn’t go as planned—how to stay calm, reset, and come back stronger, and when it’s time for the coach to step in.

• The Role of the Meet-Day Handler: Why a handler becomes essential at this level or powerlifting , how to optimize their role in assisting with warm-ups, attempt selection, and managing last-minute decisions.

• Advanced Deadlift Strategy: Why the deadlift can make or break your competition, and how to approach it strategically—especially when the bar is heavy and every kilo counts.

• Competition Day Logistics: Navigating the complexities of lot numbers, squat to bench to deadlift transitions, and managing potential delays or distractions in the warm-up area.

• DOTS Scoring and Pro-Level Strategy: Understanding the impact of DOTS scores on rankings and how this affects attempt planning at national and world-level events.

We’ll also discuss how to fine-tune your lifter’s mindset, optimize performance under pressure, and deal with the unique challenges that arise at high-level meets. Whether you’re a coach guiding a lifter to their first national competition or managing a seasoned pro at the world level, this episode is packed with strategies to elevate both your athlete’s performance and your coaching game.

Tune in for expert advice on mastering the finer points of game day and ensuring that your athlete executes with precision, confidence, and focus on the biggest stages in powerlifting.

Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> progressiverehabandstrength.com/powerliftingbundle 

If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.

Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!

Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!

Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery  

Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59 

Get in touch with the show!

• Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com

• Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com 

• Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs

• Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs