Bench press - should the bar touch the same spot every rep? Getting conflicting advice

[IronMike92]

Some say touch nipple line, some say lower sternum, some say 'wherever your arms make a straight line'. My touch point wanders rep to rep. Does it actually matter and how do I make it consistent?

[FormFixer]

It matters because a consistent bar path is a stronger, safer bar path. The touch point depends on your arm length and grip, but for most people it's lower chest / sternum with elbows tucked ~45-75 degrees, not flared to the nipples.

[TechniqueTitan]

Wandering touch point usually means an inconsistent setup. Same grip width, same shoulder retraction, same leg drive every rep and the touch point stabilises on its own. Fix the setup, not the touch.

[IronMike92]

My grip width does drift, now that you mention it.

[TechniqueTitan]

Mark the knurling. Index fingers on the same ring every single time. Removes one big variable instantly.

[SquatSensei]

Film from the side. The bar should come down to your lower chest and the path should be a slight J back over the shoulders on the way up. If it's touching high near the neck, that's the dangerous version to fix first.

[IronMike92]

Great, marking my grip and filming a set today. Thanks.