Single-Arm Side Straight-Arm Lat Pulldown

Standing side-on to a high cable, sweep one straight arm from out at the side down to the hip; the lat pulls the arm in without the elbow's help.

How to do it

Setup

Standing side-on to the pulley, the near hand on the handle, arm straight and raised out to the side.

Steps

Sweep the straight arm down to the side of the hip.
Keep the elbow soft and fixed, the torso upright.
Let the arm rise back out to the side with control.

Common mistakes

Bending the elbow to pull: the arm stays long; the lat does the work. Leaning away from the tower: stand tall with the feet planted. Cable yanking the arm up past the shoulder: control the return.

Breathing

Exhale sweeping down, inhale returning.