First pickup all sticks and debris from your lawn
We have an inexpensive thatcher that hooks on the back of our lawn mower from Home Depot.
The metal tines are what dig up your lawn and dead grass allowing it to breath and grow
Once you are done detatching your lawn, rake up and dispose of the dead grass.
You will be amazed at how thick and lush your lawn will be if you dethatch and aerate yearly in the spring or fall. Click below to see full details