Elbows flare wide on the descent
Long head loses its optimal loaded stretch; lateral head takes over.
Overactive muscles
Pec majorAnterior deltoid
Corrective work
Foam RollPectorals↗StretchDoorway pec stretch↗Push · Upper Body
EZ-Bar Skull Crusher
Coaching cues
- Lie flat; EZ-bar held with the inner angled grip; elbows shoulder-width apart
- Lower the bar toward the forehead — elbows stay fixed
- Extend back to full lockout; the angled grip reduces wrist stress vs straight bar
- The most popular skull crusher variation — control the eccentric every rep
Common faults 2
Upper arms drift back over the head
Shoulder flexion substitutes for elbow extension; becomes a pullover.
Overactive muscles
Latissimus dorsiTeres major
Corrective work
Foam RollLats↗StretchLat stretch (kneeling overhead)↗