Start your 7-day free trial
Strength

Tricep Kickbacks

Equipment Needed

Dumbbells

About This Exercise

An isolation exercise that targets the triceps. Performed by hinging forward and extending the arm backward, this exercise is great for building definition in the back of the upper arm.

How to Perform

  1. 1

    Setup

    Hold a dumbbell in one hand. Hinge forward at the hips with a flat back, or support yourself with your free hand on a bench. Bring your upper arm parallel to your torso with your elbow bent at 90 degrees.

  2. 2

    Extend

    Keeping your upper arm stationary, extend your forearm backward until your arm is fully straight. Squeeze the tricep at the top.

  3. 3

    Hold

    Pause briefly at full extension with your arm straight and parallel to the floor.

  4. 4

    Return

    Slowly bend your elbow to return to the 90-degree starting position. Keep the movement controlled.

Form Tips

  • Keep your upper arm locked in place — only the forearm should move
  • Maintain a flat back and engaged core throughout
  • Fully extend the arm to get a complete tricep contraction
  • Control the weight on the way back down

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Dropping the upper arm and losing the parallel position
  • Swinging the weight rather than controlling the extension
  • Not fully extending the arm at the top
  • Rounding the back during the exercise

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
Primary
Secondary

Primary

Triceps

Secondary

CoreShoulders

Related Exercises

View all exercises

Incline Push Ups

Chest, Shoulders, Triceps

A push up variation performed with hands elevated on a bench or step. The incline angle reduces the load compared to standard push ups, making it a great progression for beginners or a useful warm-up for advanced athletes.

Knee Push Ups

Knee Push Ups

Chest, Shoulders, Triceps

A beginner-friendly push up variation performed from the knees instead of the toes. This reduces the load on the upper body while maintaining the same movement pattern, making it an excellent progression toward full push ups.

Push Ups

Chest, Shoulders, Triceps

A foundational bodyweight exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Push ups build upper body pressing strength and core stability, and can be performed anywhere with no equipment.

Close Grip Push Ups

Close Grip Push Ups

Chest, Triceps

A push up variation with hands placed close together, shifting emphasis from the chest to the triceps. This narrow hand placement increases tricep activation while still working the chest and shoulders.

Dumbbell Overhead Tricep Extension

Triceps

A tricep isolation exercise performed with a dumbbell in each hand, extending both arms overhead simultaneously. Using two dumbbells ensures each arm works independently, helping to correct imbalances while providing a deep stretch on the long head of the tricep.

Overhead Tricep Extension

Triceps

A tricep isolation exercise performed by holding a single dumbbell with both hands behind the head and extending it overhead. The overhead position provides a deep stretch on the long head of the tricep, making it one of the best exercises for building tricep size.

Try Strong Curves Free for 7 Days

Get full access to home and gym workouts, recipes, progress tracking & our supportive community.

Start Your Free Trial

Cancel anytime.

Join 10,000+ Strong Women

Stay in the loop

Get weekly fitness tips, workout guides, and exclusive offers delivered to your inbox.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.