Exercise guide
Bradford/Rocky Presses
The Bradford or Rocky Press moves a bar over the head between a front-shoulder and behind-the-head position. The shoulders perform most of the work while the triceps assist. Some versions pass the bar over the head without fully locking out on every transition.
Training context
Muscles worked by the Bradford Press
The shoulders guide the bar through both the front and rear portions of the movement. The triceps assist as the elbows extend enough to clear the head.
The behind-the-head position requires shoulder mobility and may not feel comfortable for every lifter. A standard overhead press is a more practical choice when the rear position creates discomfort or requires forced range.
Technique overview
Use a light bar and comfortable range
Sit securely and begin with the bar at the front of the shoulders. Press only high enough to clear the head, guide it behind you through a comfortable range, then reverse the path. Keep the movement slow and the torso supported. Avoid forcing the bar low behind the neck or using a heavy load that makes the transition abrupt.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.