Target Muscle

    Upper Back

    Equipment

    Medicine Ball

    Difficulty

    Intermediate

    Category

    Strength

    Medicine Ball Overhead Slam

    The medicine ball overhead slam is a dynamic exercise that targets the upper back, shoulders, and core by forcefully slamming a medicine ball to the ground from an overhead position. It requires coordination, power, and full-body engagement.

    Also Works

    ShouldersCore

    How to Perform

    1. 1

      Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball with both hands above your head.

    2. 2

      Engage your core and keep your back straight.

    3. 3

      Bend your knees slightly and forcefully slam the medicine ball down to the ground in front of you.

    4. 4

      As you slam the ball down, use your entire body to generate power, including your shoulders and core.

    5. 5

      Catch the ball on the bounce and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Pro Tips

    • Rise up on your toes as you bring the ball overhead, then slam down aggressively by engaging your lats, core, and hip flexors.
    • Hinge at the hips and bend your knees as you slam to use your entire posterior chain, not just your arms.
    • Use a dead ball (no bounce) for safety, or stand clear of the rebound if using a rubber ball.

    Common Mistakes

    • Keeping the legs stiff and slamming with only the arms, which greatly reduces power output.
    • Rounding the lower back during the slam instead of hinging at the hips with a flat spine.
    • Standing too close to the slam point and getting hit by the rebound.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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