Mighty Logo
Mighty
← Back to library
Last updated March 30, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsLatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapeziusAbductorsGlutes

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)

Hold a kettlebell with both hands. Push your hips back to lower the weight towards the floor. Keep your back completely flat.

Quick facts

Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
Compound
Force
Pull
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Moderate
Hypertrophy
Very High
Calorie Burn
Medium-High

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Glutes (max)

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

Kettlebell

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Standing

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell with both hands in front of your thighs.
    • Keep your knees slightly bent and hinge forward at your hips, lowering the kettlebell towards the ground while maintaining a straight back.
  2. Step 2Grip the Kettlebell
    • Use both hands to grip the kettlebell handle with an overhand grip.
    • Ensure your arms are straight and your shoulders are back and down.
  3. Step 3Position Your Body
    • Engage your core and keep your back straight as you hinge at the hips.
    • Your head should be in a neutral position, looking forward, not down.
  4. Step 4Lower the Kettlebell
    • Lower the kettlebell towards the ground by pushing your hips back, keeping the kettlebell close to your body.
    • Go down until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, ensuring your back remains straight.
  5. Step 5Lift the Kettlebell
    • Drive through your heels and extend your hips forward to lift the kettlebell back up to the starting position.
    • Keep your core engaged and maintain a straight back throughout the lift.
  6. Step 6Repeat
    • Repeat the lowering and lifting motion for the desired number of repetitions.
    • Focus on maintaining proper form with each rep to avoid injury.
  7. Step 7Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully set the kettlebell down on the floor.
    • Stand upright and take a moment to recover before moving on to your next exercise.

Alternatives & variations

Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.

View all exercises
Bent Over Hip Extension (Band)

Bent Over Hip Extension (Band)

Glutes (max)
Box Squat (Barbell)

Box Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)

Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)

Quads
Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)

Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Deadlift (Barbell)

Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)

Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift - (Trap Bar)

Deadlift - (Trap Bar)

Quads
Glute Kickback (Cable)

Glute Kickback (Cable)

Glutes (max)
Frog Reverse Hyperextension

Frog Reverse Hyperextension

Glutes (max)
Glute Press (Machine)

Glute Press (Machine)

Glutes (max)
Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)

Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)

Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)

Quads
Hack Squat

Hack Squat

Quads
Hack Squat (Barbell)

Hack Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Hack Squat (Smith)

Hack Squat (Smith)

Quads
Hip Extension (v2) (Machine)

Hip Extension (v2) (Machine)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)

Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Smith)

Hip Thrust (Smith)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)

Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Kickback - Kneeling, Straight Leg

Kickback - Kneeling, Straight Leg

Glutes (max)
Landmine Deadlift

Landmine Deadlift

Hamstrings
Lateral Lunge (Barbell)

Lateral Lunge (Barbell)

Quads
Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)

Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)

Quads
Lunge (Barbell)

Lunge (Barbell)

Quads
Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)

Quads
Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)

Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)

Quads
Pause Deadlift (Barbell)

Pause Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Pull Through (Cable)

Pull Through (Cable)

Glutes (max)
Pull Through (Cable: Rope)

Pull Through (Cable: Rope)

Glutes (max)
Rear Decline Bridge

Rear Decline Bridge

Glutes (max)
Rear Kick - Standing (Machine)

Rear Kick - Standing (Machine)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Glute Bridge (Band)

Resistance Glute Bridge (Band)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)

Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Leg Kickback (Band)

Resistance Leg Kickback (Band)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Shuttle (Band)

Resistance Shuttle (Band)

Quads
Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)

Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)

Quads
Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)

Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)

Quads
Squat (Band)

Squat (Band)

Quads
Squat (Barbell)

Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Squat (Smith)

Squat (Smith)

Quads
Squat - Wide (Barbell)

Squat - Wide (Barbell)

Quads
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)

Hamstrings
Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)

Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)

Quads
Sumo Deadlift (Smith)

Sumo Deadlift (Smith)

Quads
Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)

Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Sumo Squat (Barbell)

Sumo Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)

Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

Quads
Swing (Kettlebell)

Swing (Kettlebell)

Glutes (max)
Zercher Back Extension (Barbell)

Zercher Back Extension (Barbell)

Lower Back
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025