ShouldersIntermediate

Push Press - Behind the Neck

Olympic Weightlifting movement using Barbell.

Primary muscle: Shoulders
Secondary muscles: Calves, Quadriceps, Triceps
Force: Push
Movement pattern: Compound
Movement category: Olympic Lift

Push Press - Behind the Neck reference position 1

Push Press - Behind the Neck reference position 2

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Muscle guide

See the primary and supporting muscles.

The stronger highlight marks the main muscle associated with this movement. The lighter highlight marks supporting muscles.

Primary ShouldersSupporting Calves, Quadriceps, Triceps

Movement instructions

Set up, move with control, and reassess.

1
Standing with the weight racked on the back of the shoulders, begin with the dip. With your feet directly under your hips, flex the knees without moving the hips backward. Go down only slightly, and reverse direction as powerfully as possible. Drive through the heels create as much speed and force as possible, moving the bar in a vertical path.
2
Using the momentum generated, finish pressing the weight overhead be extending through the arms.
3
Return to the starting position, using your legs to absorb the impact.

Technique guidance

Breathe, avoid common faults, and train safely.

Breathing

Take a controlled breath and set your trunk before the pull, then exhale once the bar is received and you are stable. Learn deliberate bracing from a qualified coach before heavy attempts.

Common mistakes

Pulling early with the arms instead of driving through the floor.
Allowing the bar to move away from the body.
Receiving the bar without a stable, balanced catch position.

Safety

This is a technical lift; learn the positions and safe bail procedure from a qualified coach before adding heavy load.
Use a clear lifting area and equipment intended for the lift.
Use collars and appropriate rack supports, safety catches, or a spotter when the exercise and load require them.

General guidance matched from movement type and equipment; it is not individualized coaching or medical advice.

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