Bottoms-Up Kettlebell Press

Works

How to do it

Clean or curl a kettlebell into the rack position with the bottom facing up.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, ribs down, and the working elbow tucked near the ribs.
Crush the handle and keep the wrist straight so the bell stays balanced over the forearm.
Press the kettlebell straight overhead by extending the elbow, keeping the bell balanced above the hand.
Lock out with the arm vertical, bicep near the ear, and the bottom of the bell still facing up.
Lower under control back to the rack position, then switch arms after the prescribed reps.

Bending the wrist forward instead of keeping it locked, which lets the bell tip.
Using leg drive or a lean-back to muscle the bell up, turning it into a push press.
Pressing the bell forward and away from the body, losing the balance point.
Letting the elbow flare wide instead of keeping it tucked on the way up.
Rushing the descent, which is where most bells topple.
Gripping too loosely and relying on the shoulder to correct the bell's tilt.

The inverted bell can fall and strike the forearm, wrist or head if balance or grip fails, so start light and press away from other people.

If the bell tips past control, let it fall to the side away from your feet rather than trying to catch it.

Stop the set when grip fatigues rather than chasing reps.

Avoid heavy loading if you have wrist, elbow or shoulder issues, and keep a neutral spine instead of arching under the load.

Keep the wrist stacked directly over the elbow and the elbow over the shoulder at all times.
Press slightly back and up rather than forward, so the bell stays over the base of support.
Squeeze the handle hard for the entire rep; grip tension is what keeps the bell upright.
Move slowly and pause briefly at lockout to prove control before lowering.
Keep the ribs down and avoid arching the lower back to help the press.