Back to Library

Exercise Guide

How to do clap push up

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The clap push up is an explosive plyometric exercise that develops power in the chest and triceps. By pushing off the ground with enough force to clap your hands, you train your fast-twitch muscle fibers for maximum speed and strength. This advanced variation not only builds a powerful upper body but also improves coordination and athletic performance, making it a favorite for power-focused athletic training.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
None
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Triceps, Front Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Standard Push-up Position: Begin in a standard push-up position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, body in a straight line from head to heels.

The Lift:

  1. Explosive Push: Lower yourself down as you would in a standard push-up, then powerfully press with enough force to launch yourself up.
  2. Clap: At the top of the movement, quickly release your hands from the floor and clap them together in front of your chest.
  3. Catch and Control: Immediately place your hands back on the floor and absorb the impact by slowly lowering into the next rep.

Tips:

  • Practice without the clap: Focus on the powerful upward push before introducing the clap.
  • Slightly wider hand placement: Provides a more stable base for launching yourself upwards.
  • Core engagement: Maintain a tight core throughout the movement for stability and power.

Variations:

  • Knee clap push-up: Easier variation, performed from your knees rather than a full plank.

Common mistakes: Landing with stiff elbows, losing the rigid plank position (sagging hips), and focusing more on the clap than the quality of the push-up.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Seated Fly Machine

machine seated fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Bench

cable lying fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Crossover Cable

cable incline fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Cable

cable low chest fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Barbell

barbell bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Chest Press Machine

machine chest press

ChestTriceps+1
Incline Chest Press Machine

machine incline chest press

ChestTriceps+1
Barbell

barbell incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Crossover Cable

cable standing fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Dumbbell

dumbbell fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Crossover Cable

cable standing crossovers

ChestFront Shoulder
High Incline Chest Press Machine

machine high incline hammer chest press

ChestTriceps+1
Barbell

barbell paused incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
None

clap push up

ChestTriceps+1
Bench

bench dip

ChestFront Shoulder
Bench Press

barbell paused bench press

ChestTriceps+1
None

chest tap push up

ChestTriceps+1
Bench

decline push up

ChestTriceps+1
None

dips between chair

ChestTriceps+1
Resistance Band

resistance band push up

ChestTriceps+1
Seated Dip Machine

machine seated dip

ChestTriceps+1
None

wide grip push-up

ChestTriceps+1
Barbell

barbell paused decline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Dip Bar

chest dips

ChestTriceps+1
Bench

bench dip on floor

ChestTriceps+1
None

push up

ChestTriceps+1
Bench

cable lying pullover

ChestBack
Bench

dumbbell close grip bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Dumbbell

push-up row

ChestBack+5
Cable

cable incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Decline Chest Press Machine

machine decline chest press

ChestTriceps+1
Cable

cable bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Barbell

dumbbell incline fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Smith Machine

smit-machine bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Smith Machine

smit-machine incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
None

diamond push up

ChestTriceps+1
None

incline push-up

ChestTriceps+1
None

floor triceps dips

ChestFront Shoulder+1
Resistance Band

assisted chest dip

ChestTriceps+1
Decline Bench

barbell decline bench press

ChestFront Shoulder+2
None

burpee

ChestTriceps+7