A method and a deep-drawing apparatus for the deep drawing of a metal sheet by means of a press, a table, a drawing punch, and also a drawing die and a counterpressure plate interacting with the drawing die, which together form a flow path for the metal sheet, wherein at least one drawing strip movable relative to the counterpressure plate is pushed transversely through the flow path of the metal sheet in order to deflect the metal sheet during a drawing phase (first deflection phase) and the drawing strip, for a stop phase, is pushed by a further short distance transversely through the flow path (F) (second deflection stage), wherein a deflection increased once again inhibits the flow of the metal sheet during the second deflection stage, and wherein the metal sheet is essentially plastically formed at the end of the deep-drawing operation, wherein the degree of deflection required during the first deflection stage is set by means of an interchangeable distance piece which is arranged between the counterpressure plate and the drawing strip and serves as a limit stop. Independently thereof, the degree of deflection required during the second deflection stage can be set by further distance elements which are arranged between the table and the drawing strips.