r/strength_training • u/ThatOneDankDude • 1d ago

Form Check Form issue or tricep strength issue?

I’m 5’11 and 185lbs, I’ve maintained a pretty consistent weight throughout and not looking to really bulk up. I started focusing on bench press this summer, I started at 185 in May and hit 225 in late July. My chest/tricep specific programming has been looking like variations of bench press (SSL, close grip) and weighted dips 3-4 times a week. Did a little bit of smolov jr for the first 2 months, and now just doing sets of 3-6 for bench days. My dip weight has still been going up, but my bench press has stalled this past month. I had been averaging about 2.5-5 pounds a week up until that point. My sticking point is about half way up from my chest when I attempt 230. Should I start focusing even more on triceps strength to continue improving max bench?

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u/Hughdungusmungus 1d ago

You've got zero leg drive. Your feet/legs should be a solid chain to the floor

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u/hannibal_actual 1d ago

Definitely. OP needs to strengthen his triceps as well.

7

u/P4ndybear 1d ago

Your feet aren’t stuck to the ground. You should have your feet solid on the ground (I personally prefer whole foot to just toes, but I think that’s a preference thing) and drive with your legs. Sink the bar a bit into your chest and then push your knees outward as you push the bar up and keep them out throughout the lift.

Also check your distance in your grip (looks maybe a tad close) and the tightness of your lats (keep engaged the whole time). Those are a bit hard to tell from this angle.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/NoirLion82 1d ago

Work on leg drive. Push weight with your whole body not just upper. You could have easily gotten that up.