Which cue helps prevent overextension of the spine in a press?

• A. Have the athlete tighten the abdominals by pulling the rib cage down; check overhead position again after.
• B. Use a slightly wider grip if needed, until flexibility improves.
• C. Cue the athlete to press up and pull back on the bar as it travels overhead.
• D. Press up and lock elbows.

Answer: (A)

Preventing overextension in a press comes from bracing the core and keeping the rib cage from flaring up, so the spine stays in a neutral position as you push. Tightening the abdominals by pulling the rib cage down creates intra‑abdominal pressure that supports the lumbar spine and reduces the tendency for the lower back to arch excessively during the press. This cue directly targets the mechanism that leads to overextension and helps maintain a stable bar path and torso position.

Checking the overhead position after applying the brace reinforces good alignment and ensures any drift is corrected before the rep ends, promoting consistent technique.

The other cues don’t address this fundamental control as directly. A wider grip changes leverage and shoulder mechanics but doesn’t guarantee the spine stays neutral. Standing up with a cue to press and pull back on the bar may help with bar path, yet it can encourage compensations and doesn’t prioritize core bracing to prevent hyperextension. A cue to press and lock elbows focuses on extension mechanics of the arms rather than stabilizing the spine, which can miss the risk of spinal overextension during the press.