Dive Bomber Push-Up
An advanced push-up variation combining an upside-down V position with a flowing push-up movement. Develops shoulder strength and mobility.
Instructions
- Start in a downward dog position with your hips high, hands and feet on the ground, and head between your arms.
- Lower your head toward the ground by bending your elbows and rolling your chest forward.
- As your head passes under your hands, extend your arms and shift your weight forward, transitioning into a standard push-up position.
- Continue pressing through your hands to move your chest up and forward.
- Once your hands are directly beneath your shoulders, you should be in a standard push-up position with your chest high.
- Reverse the movement by bending your elbows and shifting your hips backward and upward, returning to the downward dog position.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Tips
- This movement is a flowing combination of positions—practice the movement slowly before adding speed or volume.
- The transition through the low point of the push-up requires good shoulder flexibility and control.
- Keep your core engaged throughout to prevent your hips from sagging or piking upward excessively.
- Start with modified versions by performing the movement on an incline (hands on a bench) before moving to the standard version.
- Focus on smooth, controlled transitions between the downward dog and push-up positions.
- This exercise is more demanding on the shoulders than a standard push-up, making it excellent for shoulder development and mobility work.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
intermediate strength
Crawling
Learn more about crawling beginner strength
Lateral Push (Sled)
Learn more about lateral push (sled) intermediate strength
Offset Press (Steel Mace)
Learn more about offset press (steel mace) intermediate strength
Plank Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about plank press (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
Plate Press
Learn more about plate press intermediate strength
Pull And Press (Cable)
Learn more about pull and press (cable) intermediate strength
Push Up (Balance Board)
Learn more about push up (balance board) beginner strength
Push Up Wide
Learn more about push up wide beginner strength
Push-Up (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about push-up (medicine ball) intermediate strength
Push-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about push-up (trx / suspension trainer) beginner strength
beginner strength
Reverse Push-Up
Learn more about reverse push-up intermediate strength
Ring Body Saw
Learn more about ring body saw intermediate strength
Ring Decline Push-Up
Learn more about ring decline push-up expert strength
Single Arm Push-Up (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about single arm push-up (medicine ball) expert strength
intermediate strength
Z Press (Kettlebell)
Learn more about z press (kettlebell) beginner strength