This post is intended for a lifter who…
-is not a novice
-is proficient in the barbell lifts (squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press, snatch and clean and jerk)
-has a previously established max
Good metrics for strength are…
5x5 @ 75% On the strength lifts (Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift, Overhead Press)
5x3 @ 75% on the weightlifting lifts (Snatch, Clean and Jerk)
In my opinion you SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHING weights 90% and above unless you have a solid amount of submaximal work under your belt for at least 3-4 weeks
On with the show
Follow this tree diagnostic tree. this should take a minimum of 2 weeks or a maximum of 6 weeks
Take this with a grain of salt
Lapse in training or you have been out of it for a while, take 90% of your regular max and use that as your training max.
Take your time building to 5x5 @ 75%. If 60% is a struggle for 5 reps, take the time to build that up. Plan out 4-8 week to even get you back to baseline.
Bench press and Overhead press will require more volume, 30 total reps may be better to do
If your squat and deadlift max is high, over 500lbs you may want to lower the intensity to 70%. Aim to hit 5x5 on the volume days but 6x4 or 8x3 will suffice.
On the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk 5x3 @ 75% or 3x3 @ 80% can suffice for the volume work.
Pick only one lower body strength lift per training block (squat or deadlift focus)
Do not run this for too long. Only allow 3, 90%+ exposures, over the course of 6 weeks. After three exposures strength and technique will start to deteriorate.
Reflection
Usually everything works until it doesn’t, this is no different. You want to eventually fail because that shines light on weaknesses. This information is valuable. It’s lumped into two technique failure or a strength failure. If technique is sound increasing work capacity and GPP (General Physical Preparation), will help. If technique needs improvement technique specific exercises like pause reps, positions work in addition to building overall more GPP will help.