Barbell Bench Press Catch
Catch an empty bar that a partner lets fall a short way, stop it just above the chest and press it back; the drill trains quick braking.
How to do it
Setup
On a bench, hands up; a partner at the head holds an empty bar over the chest.
Steps
- When the partner lets go, grab the bar and stop it above the chest.
- Press it straight back up into the partner's hands.
- Reset the hands before the next drop.
Common mistakes
A loaded bar or a high drop: an empty bar and a short fall only. Catching it on the chest: stop it above. A partner letting go without warning: agree on a count first.
Breathing
Inhale before the drop, exhale on the catch and the press.
