How to Do Tricep Dumbbell Kickbacks: Form & Guide

Master the tricep dumbbell kickback with our expert guide. Learn the proper form, avoid common mistakes, and build stronger, more defined arms.

How to Perform

  1. Hold a dumbbell in one hand and place your opposite hand and knee on a flat bench for stability.
  2. Hinge at the hips until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor and pull your elbow up so your upper arm is tucked against your side.
  3. Exhale and extend your arm backward by straightening the elbow until the entire arm is parallel to the ground.
  4. Squeeze the tricep at the top of the movement for one second while keeping your shoulder stationary.
  5. Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position by hinging only at the elbow.
  6. Complete the set on one side before switching to the other arm.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging the weight using momentum instead of controlled muscle contraction
  • Allowing the elbow to drop toward the floor during the repetition
  • Rounding the lower back instead of maintaining a neutral spine
  • Using a weight that is too heavy to allow for a full squeeze at the top

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

  • Triceps

Stabilizers

  • Rear Deltoids
  • Core
  • Latissimus Dorsi

Related Guides

Triceps · Arms