Overhead Kettlebell Press

A straight vertical press path without adjustment is not the recommended path for the overhead kettlebell press. Front-of-neck pressing is presented as more useful than behind-the-neck pressing for most people. The proposed overhead pressing progression is based on clinical reasoning rather than controlled comparative outcome data. The kettlebell should move along a letter J path during the overhead press. Overhead pressing is presented as a demanding movement requiring coordinated rib cage, scapular, humeral, thoracic, and pelvic mechanics. A successful overhead press requires anchoring the lower thorax and expanding through the front and back of the upper thorax. Posterior thoracic expansion supports scapular movement away from the spine and upward rotation. Anterior expansion supports humeral external rotation near the top of the press. The forearm should remain perpendicular to the ground throughout an overhead kettlebell press. The source recommends building overhead capacity from easier positions toward harder ones.