Depth Push-Up

Quick Information

Category
Plyometrics
Difficulty
Advanced
Equipment
Plyo Boxes, Low Platforms
Primary muscle group
Pectoralis Major, Triceps Brachii
Secondary muscle groups
Anterior Deltoid, Core, Serratus Anterior
Movement pattern
Reactive Upper-Body Push
Training goal
Reactive Strength, Upper-Body Power
Sport
Boxing, MMA, Football, General Athletic Development

Overview

Purpose. Start with the hands on two low platforms, drop to the floor between them and rebound immediately, applying depth-jump logic to the upper body.

How it fits the system. An advanced-level reactive upper-body push entry in the Plyometrics section, programmed to develop reactive strength, upper-body power. Related work in the library: Plyometric Push-Up and Bench Press Throw.

Primary muscles

Pectoralis Major, Triceps Brachii

Secondary muscles

Anterior Deltoid, Core, Serratus Anterior

Movement pattern

Reactive Upper-Body Push

Equipment

Plyo Boxes, Low Platforms

Difficulty

Advanced

How to Perform

  1. Place two low platforms slightly wider than shoulder width, 10 to 20 cm high.
  2. Begin in a push-up position with a hand on each platform.
  3. Drop the hands to the floor between the platforms and let the chest descend a short way.
  4. Push off the floor explosively and return the hands to the platforms.

Coaching Cues

  • Keep the trunk rigid — no sagging or piking through the drop.
  • Elbows stay tucked at roughly 45 degrees, not flared.
  • Rebound off the floor as fast as possible.
  • Stop the set when the contacts slow rather than grinding out reps.

Common Mistakes

  • Letting the hips sag, which shifts load to the lower back.
  • Using platforms so high that the shoulder is forced into deep, uncontrolled extension.
  • Doing this before plyometric push-ups are strong and pain-free.

Progressions & Regressions

Progressions
Raise platform height slightly, or add a small weighted vest once contacts stay fast.
Regressions
Plyometric Push-Up, then a standard push-up with an explosive concentric.

When to Use It

When to use
In an upper-body power block for athletes with a solid pressing base.
When not to use
With beginners, or with any shoulder, elbow or wrist pain.
Programming
3 to 4 sets of 3 to 5 repetitions with two minutes of recovery.

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