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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell one arm kickback
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The dumbbell one-arm kickback is a unilateral isolation exercise designed to target the triceps, particularly the lateral and medial heads. By focusing on one arm at a time, you can ensure maximum contraction and address any strength imbalances. This move is perfect for finishing a workout and achieving a deep burn and pump in the back of the arms.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Bench and Dumbbell: Stand alongside a flat bench. Hold a dumbbell in one hand.
- Foot and Hand Placement: Place your inside foot (closest to the bench) forward and rest the same side hand on the bench. Your other foot should be back for balance.
- Starting Position: Bend your torso forward, keeping your back flat, until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. Let your working arm hang straight down, holding the dumbbell with a neutral grip (palm facing your body).
The Lift:
- Kickback: Keeping your upper arm stationary and close to your body, contract your triceps to extend your elbow and "kick" the dumbbell backward until your arm is straight.
- Squeeze: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing your triceps.
- Controlled Return: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, resisting the weight's pull.
Tips:
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbow tucked in close to your body throughout the entire movement.
- Upper Arm Stationary: Focus on moving only your forearm. Your upper arm should remain stable and parallel to the floor.
- Slow and Controlled: Avoid swinging or using momentum. Focus on the contraction of your triceps.
- Switch Sides: After completing the desired number of repetitions, switch sides and repeat the same process with your other arm.
Common mistakes: Dropping the elbow below the torso, using momentum to swing the weight, and rotating the body to complete the rep.
Alternatives
Bench
dumbbell incline triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable one arm tricep pushdown
Triceps
Cable
cable pushdown(with rope)
Triceps
Cable
cable one arm side triceps pushdown
Triceps
Bench
barbell incline triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable bent overhead tricep extension
Triceps
Cable
cable overhead triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable lying triceps extension(low)
Triceps
Cable
cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)
Triceps
Bench
barbell seated overhead triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell seated triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm tricep extension
Triceps
Cable
cable lying triceps extension
Triceps
Bench
barbell lying triceps extension
Triceps
Triceps Extension Machine
machine triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)
Triceps
Decline Bench
ez-barbell decline triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm kickback
Triceps
Bench
dumbbell triceps kickback
Triceps
Dip Bar
weighted triceps dips
TricepsChest+1
None
dips on chair
TricepsChest+1
Barbell
barbell incline close grip bench press
TricepsFront Shoulder+1
None
kneeling triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell lying triceps extension
Triceps
Ez Barbell
ez-barbell incline triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell seated triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)
Triceps
Smith Machine
smit-machine close grip bench press
TricepsChest+1
Bench
barbell close grip bench press
TricepsChest+1