Barbell Reverse-Grip Skullcrusher

Setup

1. 01Lie on a flat bench holding the bar with an underhand grip slightly narrower than shoulder width.
2. 02Wrap the thumbs fully around the bar.
3. 03Bring the bar to lockout above the shoulders.
4. 04Tuck the elbows in line with the shoulders and set the wrists straight.

Execution

1. 01Bend the elbows and lower the bar toward the forehead.
2. 02Keep the upper arms still and the elbows tucked as the bar descends.
3. 03Reach a controlled stretch just above the head.
4. 04Extend the elbows to press the bar back to lockout.

Checkpoints

• -The underhand grip stays secure with thumbs wrapped.
• -Elbows stay narrow, tracking straight up and down.
• -Upper arms hold their angle through every rep.
• -Wrists stay neutral rather than curling toward you.

Common mistakes

• -Using loads carried over from regular skull crushers; the reverse grip is weaker.
• -Letting the bar hinge the wrists back at the bottom.
• -Bouncing out of the stretch near the face.
• -Losing the grip by holding the bar in the fingers.