How to Do Tricep Dumbbell Kickback
Start and end of one clean rep of Tricep Dumbbell Kickback.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Triceps |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | — |
| Equipment | Dumbbell |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Tricep Dumbbell Kickback
- Start with a dumbbell in each hand and your palms facing your torso. Keep your back straight with a slight bend in the knees and bend forward at the waist. Your torso should be almost parallel to the floor. Make sure to keep your head up. Your upper arms should be close to your torso and parallel to the floor. Your forearms should be pointed towards the floor as you hold the weights. There should be a 90-degree angle formed between your forearm and upper arm. This is your starting position.
- Now, while keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and use your triceps to lift the weights until the arm is fully extended. Focus on moving the forearm.
- After a brief pause at the top contraction, inhale and slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position.
- Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
- Triceps (primary): straightens the elbow to lock out every press and pushdown.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Fix the elbows in place and let only the forearms move, keeping the load on the triceps.
- Each side works on its own, so match the depth and speed of both arms and don't let the stronger side take over.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Control the lowering phase — a 2–3 second descent builds more than dropping the weight.
Common mistakes
- Letting the elbows flare and drift forward so the shoulders quietly take over.
- Letting the dumbbells drift apart or clang together at the top instead of controlling the path.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Tricep Dumbbell Kickback work?
Tricep Dumbbell Kickback is a focused movement that primarily works the triceps.
What equipment do I need for Tricep Dumbbell Kickback?
Tricep Dumbbell Kickback needs a pair of dumbbells.
How many sets and reps should I do for Tricep Dumbbell Kickback?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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