When to start use variations of the competiition lifts?

At what "stage" do you think its a good idea to mix up the competiition lifts?
The deadlift is already mixed up with variations in the programs i have seen, but what about the bench and the squat?

For example paus squat, front squat, box squat, narrow grip bench, extra paus bench and so on...
/Martin

I did not do any variations on squat or bench until I was squatting 245 and benching 180 at 100.  I don't know though if that was the best idea or not

I rarely perform any variations for bench or squats unless I use a narrow grip or SS bar to rest my shoulders. I don't really think they're necessary unless you have a glaring issue to fix.

I rarely perform any variations for bench or squats unless I use a narrow grip or SS bar to rest my shoulders. I don't really think they're necessary unless you have a glaring issue to fix.

Neither do I. I always feel like my lifts need more and more fine tuning, it's a job never complete. I don't want to interrupt that process unless I am guaranteed some carryover. 

Quote from: Bench Polkov link=topic=51.msg308#msg308 date=1402273598

I rarely perform any variations for bench or squats unless I use a narrow grip or SS bar to rest my shoulders. I don't really think they're necessary unless you have a glaring issue to fix.

Neither do I. I always feel like my lifts need more and more fine tuning, it's a job never complete. I don't want to interrupt that process unless I am guaranteed some carryover.

How come you don't think that applies to the deadlift aswell? (Or do you?)

Quote from: Robert Frederick link=topic=51.msg314#msg314 date=1402284652

Quote from: Bench Polkov link=topic=51.msg308#msg308 date=1402273598

I rarely perform any variations for bench or squats unless I use a narrow grip or SS bar to rest my shoulders. I don't really think they're necessary unless you have a glaring issue to fix.

Neither do I. I always feel like my lifts need more and more fine tuning, it's a job never complete. I don't want to interrupt that process unless I am guaranteed some carryover.

How come you don't think that applies to the deadlift aswell? (Or do you?)

I don't want to give the impression that variations are not useful, needed, or that I don't do them, because that's certainly not true. I just exercise caution when selecting variations, making sure I have a good reason for using them. That said, it is true, I do deadlift variations nearly every deadlift session. There does seem to be a contradiction there. So why the separate treatment for bench/squat and deadlift? I'm going to avoid theorizing and just say that for me it works. I haven't had a single back problem since I started training this way whereas I had frequent issues before. Meanwhile my bench and squat keep going up. That's probably not a satisfactory answer. But ultimately we have to find what works, whatever it is. Thankfully it hasn't been too complicated.

It's interesting to note that Boris doesn't have any deadlift pyramid variations and does use a variety of ways to make a lighter weight feel heavier (pauses, deficits, slow eccentrics, etc.). I asked him why before and he said it would be too much.

Variations of competitive movements (especially preparatory exercises) are included when you need to fix an error in the technique of competitive exercises or when you have to make some muscle group stronger.