Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press is an advanced compound push using barbell, squat rack. It loads Shoulders.
Why this lift
The Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press is a advanced compound push lift. It primarily loads Shoulders. Triceps, Traps help. You need barbell, squat rack. Most programs place it near the start of a session, while you are fresh.
Presses and raises cover the delts. A little lateral-raise volume goes further than turning every press into a max attempt. This one asks for control and existing strength. Skip it until the easier variations in this library feel solid.
Muscles worked
- Primary: Shoulders
- Secondary: Triceps, Traps
Setup
- Set barbell, squat rack. Shoulder blades packed, wrists stacked, feet planted.
How to do it
- Lower under control, then press. Keep Shoulders as the prime movers.
- Lock out without shrugging the shoulders into the ears.
Coaching cues
- Elbows under the load.
- Press yourself away from the weight.
Common mistakes
- Flaring and losing the lats. Tuck slightly and stay packed.
- Bouncing the bottom. Own the pause, then press.
How to program it
Treat the Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press as a main lift: 3–5 working sets, add load or a rep when the last set still looks like the first. Leave isolation work for after.
Estimate a training max with the 1RM calculator from a heavy set of 3–5, then work in percentages instead of guessing the next jump.
If the Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press does not agree with you, Arnold Press trains Shoulders with a different setup.
Related lifts
- Arnold Press Shoulders
- Barbell Front Raise Shoulders
- Barbell Push Press Shoulders
- Barbell Upright Row Shoulders
- Barbell Z Press Shoulders
- Cable External Rotation Shoulders
FAQ
What muscles does the Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press work?
The Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press works Shoulders (primary), Triceps, Traps (secondary).
What equipment do I need for the Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press?
You need barbell, squat rack.
Is the Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press suitable for beginners?
No. The Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press is marked advanced. Build the pattern with the easier related lifts first.
MyCoach programs the Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press into your plan, tracks every set, and answers “am I doing this right?” with your real numbers.
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