One thing that worked well for me at various stages in my career, and that I have clients do as well, is squats before deadlifts. It was something that I experienced using the Westside method, but have adapted to the 'current era' raw lifter.
Seeing that you always squat before you deadlift in a powerlifting meet, it may not be a bad idea to train that way as well. Understand that you can use this style as a warm up, a primer, or a main movement (which leads you to train deadlifts in a fatigued state).
Let me explain what I mean...
As a warm up is exactly what comes to mind - warming up for deadlifts using a light intensity. Think 30-40% of your squat max for 15-25 reps total - 4-8 sets of 3-5 reps - don't overthink it or overdo it here.
As a primer is something I consider to be a little heavier and a little more taxing with the end goal being to 'prime' the central nervous system. This is something I would do on a heavier deadlift day or during a meet training cycle. You may include accommodating resistance here if you want to get crazy, but this should be heavier than the 'warm up' method but we're also not looking to kill ourselves here. Bar speed is the goal with the same rep schemes as the warm ups I previously described.
As a main movement is just that - your squat that day is the heavier/more taxing main movement with your deadlift as the secondary movement. This can still be your 'deadlift focused day,' just understand that you're purposefully training your deadlift in a fatigued state (you know, kind of like at the end of a long meet). I would recommend two things in this instance: (1) box squat as the main movement (assuming this is your second squat day of a given training week) and (2) don't train your competition deadlift following this (OR if you do, keep it light to where your technique doesn't take a hit, BUT heavy enough that you have to be physically and mentally locked in to move the weight with good speed and position). THIS IS HOW WE GET BETTER TRAINING IN A FATIGUED STATE.
With that being said, here are three things I like to do, or have clients do, prior to their deadlifts.
1. Front squats
These are good for two reasons. First, the load is inherently lighter as most can't front squat anywhere near their squat max, so it keeps them fresh. Two, and more importantly, it forces you to set your lats and extend through your mid back - you know, kind of like the position we're trying to find for your deadlift.
2. Box squats
My favorite. Not as taxing as a free squat, but can build up your hips, improve your squat technique when done properly, and teach you to fire your hips from a static position (sumo anyone?).
3. CAT squats
From the famous Fred Hatfield - 5x5 with short rest, accelerating the barbell with every rep, rep 25 being as fast and as perfect as rep 1. When done properly, these are taxing. So don't do these as a 'light warm up' for your squats. But they would be great in the offseason prior to a light or speed deadlift session, OR going into a heavy deadlift variation.
Be smart. Train hard. And always, squat before you deadlift.
