The best powerlifters are often very precise about the exact manner in which they perform their reps. Eric Spoto is a perfect example of this. When he performs a set of reps, he lowers the bar very carefully to start his first rep. The next reps are usually continuous reps that are done in rapid succession without a pause at the top or the bottom of the reps. When Eric nears the end of his set, he usually pauses for a second or two at the bottom of the last few reps when doing high reps.
The rapid reps that are done without any pause at the bottom allows Spoto to take advantage of using a stretch reflex. This style of benching helps him to develop speed and power on most of his reps. At the same time, he practices the form that is used in powerlifting meets by pausing at the bottom of his final reps. The final reps require more strength as no stretch reflex is used to create speed and momentum at the start of the rep. When momentum is taken out of the lift, the only factor remaining is the development of pure strength required to move the bar from the start to the finish of the lifting motion.
The videos posted below provide an example of how Eric Spoto combines continuous nonstop reps for most of the set followed by pause reps at the end of the set.
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Squats
I have seen lifters use a similar strategy when performing squats. The reps are performed in a continuous nonstop manner until the last rep. A slight pause is taken before the last rep of each set to duplicate the feel of setting up, taking a deep breath, and doing a single rep to replicate more of the feel of a powerlifting meet. Richard Hawthorne does this on his sets in the following video: Richard is lifting a huge amount of weight if you take into account that he only weighs 130 pounds.
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Learn From Success
Both of the lifters in the videos posted have experienced success as top level elite powerlifters. They are both very meticulous about how they perform each and every rep of every set. If you want to be successful, consider practicing the habits that successful lifters commonly use. Best of training to you.