Pin Press Guide – Form, Muscles Worked, And Variations
The pin press can be a useful bench press variation for athletes who struggle with a sticking point!
Building a stronger bench is often at the top of every powerlifting and strength athlete. When looking at isolating weaknesses in the bench press, lifters can break down the individual angles and muscle groups that may be responsible for staggered success.
Using partial reps, pauses, and pin presses can all increase muscle development and force output of stagnant muscles and boost performance.
How to Perform the Pin Press: Step-By-Step Guide
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the pin press using the bench press variations. Further below we will discuss a wide variety of variations and alternatives to the pin press.
It is important to note that the pin press can also be done using the overhead press, with similar benefits of strength and mass for the shoulders and triceps (instead of the chest and triceps).
Step 1. Set the Pins
Start by setting the pin height to correspond with the specific range of motion you are attempting to train. The higher the pins, the greater emphasis on lockout and triceps strength. Once you have set the pins, perform some warm up sets to ensure proper positioning.
Step 1. Set the Pins
Start by setting the pin height to correspond with the specific range of motion you are attempting to train. The higher the pins, the greater emphasis on lockout and triceps strength. Once you have set the pins, perform some warm up sets to ensure proper positioning.
Coach’s Tip: Place the pin height just below or at your sticking point to address strength-specific weaknesses in the press.
Step 2. Unrack and Descend
Similar to the bench press, unrack the weight using the same setup and unracking procedure you would in the bench press. Once you have secured the weight above the shoulders and chest, lower the load under control, making sure to keep the elbows in and back set.
Do not drop onto the pins/supports, but rather lower the load with control. Additionally, at the bottom of the press, your back should be tense and there should be no slack in the system.
Coach’s Tip: Do not lose tension at the bottom of the movement.
Step 3. Press and Repeat
Once you have hit the pins, press upwards into the barbell to lift the load. Complete the repetition similarly to how you would lockout a bench press.
Coach’s Tip: Keep the back set and press through the barbell.
3 Benefits of the Pin Press
Below are three (3) reasons why the pin press is beneficial for lifters and athletes of all types.
1. Improved Triceps Strength and Hypertrophy
The pin press specifically attacks the triceps as the range of motion places greater demands upon the elbow extension aspect of the movement. For lifters looking to increase triceps strength and hypertrophy or have issues locking out a press, the pin press can be a great movement to add to their strength and accessory lifts
2. Attack Sticking Points
The pin press allows a lifter to attack a sticking point at the exact range of motion the limitation of strength is present. Strength is angular specific, meaning that lifters need to address a sticking point by training the exact range of motion it occurs at. The pin press allows us to do that.
3. Overload Pressing Movements
The decreased range of motion often results in a lifter being able to perform receptions with greater loads, helping to increase overall strength and mass. When used in conjunction with full range movements, the pin press can be a valuable overloading tool to boost strength and muscle development.
Pin Press Sets, Reps, and Weight Recommendations
Below are three (3) primary sets, reps, and weight (intensity) recommendations for coaches and athletes to properly program the pin press specific to their training goals. Note, that the below guidelines are simply here to offer coaches and athletes loose recommendations for programming.
Muscle Hypertrophy – Reps, Sets, and Weight Recommendations
4-5 sets of 8-12 reps with moderate to heavy loads to increase muscle hypertrophy of the triceps and pectoral muscles
Maintain tension at the bottom of the pin press to increase muscular demands.
Strength Reps, Sets, and Weight Recommendations
Training the pin press similarly to bench press strength protocols can occur.
Many lifters will find that they can handle heavier loads relative to their 1RM for bench press due to the limited range of motion.
Power Reps, Sets, and Weight Recommendations
Perform 4-6 sets of 2-3 repetitions with moderate loads, emphasizing maximal power and explosiveness off the pins.
2 Pin Press Variations
Below are two (2) pin press variations to build upper body strength and hypertrophy and improve scapular stability.
1. Accommodating Resistance Pin Press with
Attaching chains and bands to the pin press is a great way to increase the rate of force production, increase additional overloading stress, and develop higher recruitment rates of the triceps and chest. Simply add some chains or bands of the pin press and get pressing!
2. Pin Press Bench Throws
This plyometric pin press variation requires a Smith machine, pins, and a spotter (although not 100% necessary if you have a Smith machine and pins set at the correct height). To do this, load the bar with roughly 40-60% of your max and perform pin press throws; allowing the bar to get tossed vertically along the tracks. Meet the barbell and control it eccentrically and repeat.
Like accommodating resistance, this can help increase the rate of force production and explosive power, however adding in the throw takes this movement to the next level. Be sure to start with light loads and use a spotter. Additionally, be sure to set the pin heights higher than chest level.
3 Pin Press Alternatives
Below are three (3 ) pin press alternatives that can be used to improve upper body strength and hypertrophy.
1. Floor Press
The floor press is a pin press alternative that uses the floor rather than pins to restrict the range of motion. This is a good swap for lifters who may not have access to a standard power rack yet are looking for many of the same triceps strength and mass benefits of the pin press
Floor Press Guide.
Start by positioning yourself on the floor underneath the barbell (eyes should be underneath). With the legs either straight or bent, be sure to place the feet, hips, and upper back on the floor, similar to that of a bench press.
Note, that this relationship with the floor is essential to the floor press. Often, individuals who struggle with this on a bench may find it easier to develop greater back tension in the floor press in the early learning phases.
With the body actively gripping the floor, firmly squeeze the barbell and pull the elbows down towards the torso, on a slight angle to ensure that the back muscles and posterior shoulders are being activated.
Be sure to pull the barbell to the base of the chest (just above the sternum) so that the elbows are roughly 45 degrees from the torso.
Once you have gently made contact with the back of the elbows to the floor, remain in tension and reverse the movement so that you go into the concentric pressing phase of the floor press.
Note, that lifters can pause at the bottom of the press (which I prefer) to help increase stability, control, and gain a deeper understanding on how to develop and maintain tension and strength throughout the full lift.
Once you have returned to the top of the movement, repeat for the prescribed repetitions, rest, and repeat.
Make sure to not over protract at the top when completing a rep, as this could throw your positioning and base out of line.
2. Board Press
The board press is nearly identical to the pin press, however rather than setting the bar on pins at the bottom of the press, the lifter stops the barbell on a board that is resting on their chest. Depending on the thickness of the board, the lifter can shift emphasis on the triceps, chest, or various ranges of the movement.
3. Partial Pause Press
The partial bench press is another pin press alternative lifters can use to restrict the range of motion to isolate specific areas at which they are weaker. Adding in a brief pause at the bottom of the movement can increase time under tension and reinforce stability and control at the bottom of the press.
The pin press can be a useful bench press variation for athletes who struggle with a sticking point!
Building a stronger bench is often at the top of every powerlifting and strength athlete. When looking at isolating weaknesses in the bench press, lifters can break down the individual angles and muscle groups that may be responsible for staggered success.
Using partial reps, pauses, and pin presses can all increase muscle development and force output of stagnant muscles and boost performance.
How to Perform the Pin Press: Step-By-Step Guide
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the pin press using the bench press variations. Further below we will discuss a wide variety of variations and alternatives to the pin press.
It is important to note that the pin press can also be done using the overhead press, with similar benefits of strength and mass for the shoulders and triceps (instead of the chest and triceps).
Step 1. Set the Pins
Start by setting the pin height to correspond with the specific range of motion you are attempting to train. The higher the pins, the greater emphasis on lockout and triceps strength. Once you have set the pins, perform some warm up sets to ensure proper positioning.
Step 1. Set the Pins
Start by setting the pin height to correspond with the specific range of motion you are attempting to train. The higher the pins, the greater emphasis on lockout and triceps strength. Once you have set the pins, perform some warm up sets to ensure proper positioning.
Coach’s Tip: Place the pin height just below or at your sticking point to address strength-specific weaknesses in the press.
Step 2. Unrack and Descend
Similar to the bench press, unrack the weight using the same setup and unracking procedure you would in the bench press. Once you have secured the weight above the shoulders and chest, lower the load under control, making sure to keep the elbows in and back set.
Do not drop onto the pins/supports, but rather lower the load with control. Additionally, at the bottom of the press, your back should be tense and there should be no slack in the system.
Coach’s Tip: Do not lose tension at the bottom of the movement.
Step 3. Press and Repeat
Once you have hit the pins, press upwards into the barbell to lift the load. Complete the repetition similarly to how you would lockout a bench press.
Coach’s Tip: Keep the back set and press through the barbell.
3 Benefits of the Pin Press
Below are three (3) reasons why the pin press is beneficial for lifters and athletes of all types.
1. Improved Triceps Strength and Hypertrophy
The pin press specifically attacks the triceps as the range of motion places greater demands upon the elbow extension aspect of the movement. For lifters looking to increase triceps strength and hypertrophy or have issues locking out a press, the pin press can be a great movement to add to their strength and accessory lifts
2. Attack Sticking Points
The pin press allows a lifter to attack a sticking point at the exact range of motion the limitation of strength is present. Strength is angular specific, meaning that lifters need to address a sticking point by training the exact range of motion it occurs at. The pin press allows us to do that.
3. Overload Pressing Movements
The decreased range of motion often results in a lifter being able to perform receptions with greater loads, helping to increase overall strength and mass. When used in conjunction with full range movements, the pin press can be a valuable overloading tool to boost strength and muscle development.
Pin Press Sets, Reps, and Weight Recommendations
Below are three (3) primary sets, reps, and weight (intensity) recommendations for coaches and athletes to properly program the pin press specific to their training goals. Note, that the below guidelines are simply here to offer coaches and athletes loose recommendations for programming.
Muscle Hypertrophy – Reps, Sets, and Weight Recommendations
4-5 sets of 8-12 reps with moderate to heavy loads to increase muscle hypertrophy of the triceps and pectoral muscles
Maintain tension at the bottom of the pin press to increase muscular demands.
Strength Reps, Sets, and Weight Recommendations
Training the pin press similarly to bench press strength protocols can occur.
Many lifters will find that they can handle heavier loads relative to their 1RM for bench press due to the limited range of motion.
Power Reps, Sets, and Weight Recommendations
Perform 4-6 sets of 2-3 repetitions with moderate loads, emphasizing maximal power and explosiveness off the pins.
2 Pin Press Variations
Below are two (2) pin press variations to build upper body strength and hypertrophy and improve scapular stability.
1. Accommodating Resistance Pin Press with
Attaching chains and bands to the pin press is a great way to increase the rate of force production, increase additional overloading stress, and develop higher recruitment rates of the triceps and chest. Simply add some chains or bands of the pin press and get pressing!
2. Pin Press Bench Throws
This plyometric pin press variation requires a Smith machine, pins, and a spotter (although not 100% necessary if you have a Smith machine and pins set at the correct height). To do this, load the bar with roughly 40-60% of your max and perform pin press throws; allowing the bar to get tossed vertically along the tracks. Meet the barbell and control it eccentrically and repeat.
Like accommodating resistance, this can help increase the rate of force production and explosive power, however adding in the throw takes this movement to the next level. Be sure to start with light loads and use a spotter. Additionally, be sure to set the pin heights higher than chest level.
3 Pin Press Alternatives
Below are three (3 ) pin press alternatives that can be used to improve upper body strength and hypertrophy.
1. Floor Press
The floor press is a pin press alternative that uses the floor rather than pins to restrict the range of motion. This is a good swap for lifters who may not have access to a standard power rack yet are looking for many of the same triceps strength and mass benefits of the pin press
Floor Press Guide.
Start by positioning yourself on the floor underneath the barbell (eyes should be underneath). With the legs either straight or bent, be sure to place the feet, hips, and upper back on the floor, similar to that of a bench press.
Note, that this relationship with the floor is essential to the floor press. Often, individuals who struggle with this on a bench may find it easier to develop greater back tension in the floor press in the early learning phases.
With the body actively gripping the floor, firmly squeeze the barbell and pull the elbows down towards the torso, on a slight angle to ensure that the back muscles and posterior shoulders are being activated.
Be sure to pull the barbell to the base of the chest (just above the sternum) so that the elbows are roughly 45 degrees from the torso.
Once you have gently made contact with the back of the elbows to the floor, remain in tension and reverse the movement so that you go into the concentric pressing phase of the floor press.
Note, that lifters can pause at the bottom of the press (which I prefer) to help increase stability, control, and gain a deeper understanding on how to develop and maintain tension and strength throughout the full lift.
Once you have returned to the top of the movement, repeat for the prescribed repetitions, rest, and repeat.
Make sure to not over protract at the top when completing a rep, as this could throw your positioning and base out of line.
2. Board Press
The board press is nearly identical to the pin press, however rather than setting the bar on pins at the bottom of the press, the lifter stops the barbell on a board that is resting on their chest. Depending on the thickness of the board, the lifter can shift emphasis on the triceps, chest, or various ranges of the movement.
3. Partial Pause Press
The partial bench press is another pin press alternative lifters can use to restrict the range of motion to isolate specific areas at which they are weaker. Adding in a brief pause at the bottom of the movement can increase time under tension and reinforce stability and control at the bottom of the press.
