In a kipping pull-up, which of the following is a fault?

• A. Straight arms
• B. Core bracing
• C. Slow controlled descent
• D. Bent knee and hip position

Answer: (D)

Efficient kipping pull-ups rely on using hip-driven momentum with a braced core and a stable spine. When the knees and hips are bent excessively, the hip drive that powers the swing is blunted, the movement becomes less controlled, and you end up pulling more with the arms than with your hips. This can reduce the rep cadence, make it harder to hit the bar with good timing, and increase the risk of shoulder or lower-back strain due to a less stable position. Keeping the legs relatively straight and the body in a hollow-to-arch pattern allows a clean, powerful kip that transfers momentum through the entire kinetic chain. The other aspects listed—arm position, core bracing, and controlled descent—support this proper pattern and aren’t faults.