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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:

  1. Bench and Dumbbell: Stand alongside a flat bench. Hold a dumbbell in one hand.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Squeeze: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing your triceps.
  3. 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