Exercise guide
Push Press - Behind the Neck
The Behind-the-Neck Push Press begins with the bar across the upper back and uses a short leg drive to move it overhead. The shoulders and triceps finish the press while the quadriceps and calves help accelerate the bar.
Training context
Setup Cues for the Behind-the-Neck Push Press
This variation requires enough shoulder mobility to hold the bar comfortably behind the head and move it into overhead lockout. It is not appropriate when the starting position causes shoulder or neck discomfort.
Lowering the bar back onto the upper back creates impact. Use a manageable load, bend the knees to absorb the return, and consider returning the bar to the front rack instead when appropriate.
Technique overview
Dip vertically and keep the bar path close
Set the bar securely across the upper traps with a comfortable grip. Dip through the knees without pushing the hips backward, then drive upward and finish pressing overhead. Stabilize before lowering, and use the legs to cushion the bar's return rather than allowing it to drop onto the shoulders.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.