A rack pull starts from a position above the floor, sometimes just below the knee or mid-shin. It's not a cheat version of a deadlift; it's a focused strength tool. Use it when you want to build lock-out power without the lower-back fatigue of full deadlifts, or when you're working around a movement restriction that needs partial range. The mechanics are the same as a deadlift from that height — chest up, hips back, drive through your heels. The advantage is you can load heavier and drill the top end of the lift where you need strength most. Think of it as a refinement, not a shortcut.