Lower back arches off the wall
Lumbar extends to compensate for restricted shoulder flexion.
Overactive muscles
Latissimus dorsiErector spinaeHip flexors
Corrective work
Foam RollLats↗Foam RollThoracic spine↗StretchLat stretch (kneeling overhead)↗Core · Upper Body
Wall Angels
Coaching cues
- Back flat against wall — head, thoracic, sacrum all touching
- Arms at 90/90 against wall — don't let them peel off
- Slide arms overhead; maintain all contact points
- Return to 90/90 — slow and controlled
Common faults 3
Arms peel off the wall during slide
Pec minor and lats restrict full shoulder flexion.
Overactive muscles
Pec majorPec minorLatissimus dorsi
Corrective work
Foam RollPectorals↗Foam RollLats↗StretchDoorway pec stretch↗Head juts forward off the wall
Suboccipitals and SCM pull head forward; can't maintain neutral neck.
Overactive muscles
SCMScalenesSuboccipitals
Corrective work
Foam RollSuboccipitals (lacrosse ball)↗StretchSCM / scalene stretch↗