Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

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VikingPress
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:24 am

Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by VikingPress »

My OHP has been stuck at the same weight for over a month while everything else moves. Is it usually a technique problem or do some people just have a naturally weak press that needs extra work?
TechniqueTitan
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2025 1:52 am

Re: Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by TechniqueTitan »

Both are common, but check technique first. Most stalled presses are leaking power: no leg/glute tension, bar drifting forward, or not getting the head 'through' the window at lockout. Film it before assuming it's a weak point.
VikingPress
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:24 am

Re: Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by VikingPress »

The bar definitely drifts forward on my grinders.
TechniqueTitan
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2025 1:52 am

Re: Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by TechniqueTitan »

That's a big leak. Cue 'bar back, head through' at the top - the bar should finish over your mid-foot/ears, not out front. Forward drift turns it into a weak front-delt press.
SquatSensei
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2025 4:00 am

Re: Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by SquatSensei »

OHP also just progresses slowly - it's a small-muscle lift with a short range. Expecting the same jumps as squat/deadlift will feel like a stall when it's actually normal slow progress. Micro-load it with 1-1.25kg plates.
VikingPress
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:24 am

Re: Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by VikingPress »

I've been trying to add 2.5kg each time, which is probably too much for OHP.
SquatSensei
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2025 4:00 am

Re: Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by SquatSensei »

Way too much for pressing. Half-kilo jumps will keep it moving for months. The big plates are why it feels stuck.
MuscleMentor
Posts: 24
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2025 4:07 am

Re: Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by MuscleMentor »

If it's a genuine weak point, add some volume - an extra pressing day, push press to overload the top, and direct side/front delt and triceps work. But fix the bar path and micro-loading first, those usually unstick it on their own.
VikingPress
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:24 am

Re: Overhead press keeps stalling - is it technique or just a weak point?

Post by VikingPress »

Great - filming it, cueing bar back/head through, and switching to tiny plates. Thanks all, this gives me a clear plan.
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