Overhead Triceps Extension

How to perform it

1. 1Preparation and positioning. Use a stable bench or stance and choose loads that can be lifted into position without swinging. Set the bench angle and arm path before the set.
2. 2Starting position. Begin with elbows near extension and upper arms in the variation-specific position, wrists neutral, and shoulders controlled.
3. 3Concentric phase. Extend the elbows while keeping the upper arms controlled and the wrists stacked.
4. 4End position. Finish at controlled elbow extension without forceful hyperextension.
5. 5Eccentric phase. Return the load slowly to the same start marker while preserving the upper-arm, elbow, and trunk position.
6. 6Breathing and bracing. Exhale through the raising/shortening phase and inhale during the controlled return; keep the torso quiet.
7. 7Valid rep. A rep uses the same arm path and range with no hip drive, trunk swing, shortened eccentric, or change in bench/stance support.

Common mistakes

• Moving the trunk instead of the target joint

  Fix: Reduce the load and keep the torso and prescribed upper-arm position fixed.

• Changing the elbow angle

  Fix: Set a small, consistent bend—or the defined flexion angle—and preserve it through the rep.

• Shrugging to gain range

  Fix: Keep the neck long and stop where the shoulder/scapular path remains controlled.

• Dropping the eccentric

  Fix: Return to the same start marker slowly without letting the stack or weight take over.

Safety

• Use only a pain-free overhead range you can control; current shoulder symptoms or marked side-to-side loss of motion require individualized assessment rather than forcing the textbook position.
• Choose a load, range, and setup that permit a controlled return or exit; stop the set rather than compensating through sharp or progressively worsening symptoms.

Progressions & alternatives

• regressionCable Triceps Pushdown— Reduce strength, balance, or coordination demand while rehearsing the key pattern before returning to Overhead Triceps Extension.
• progressionLying EZ-Bar Triceps Extension— Increase load, range, instability, or skill demand after Overhead Triceps Extension is repeatable through the planned volume with reserve and no technique drift.
• alternativeCable Overhead Triceps Extension— Train a similar primary pattern with a different stability, equipment, or joint-loading profile when Overhead Triceps Extension is impractical or poorly tolerated.