Kettlebell Bottoms-Up Press

Technique

The kettlebell bottoms-up press is a single-arm overhead press in which the kettlebell is held upside down, with the bell above the hand and the handle gripped hard. Keeping the bell balanced forces a crushing grip, a stacked wrist and a well-aligned shoulder, so any wobble in technique is immediately visible. Use a much lighter bell than for a normal press, clean it to the bottoms-up position, brace, and press slowly overhead while keeping the forearm vertical.

Steps

1. Hold a light kettlebell by the handle with the bell pointing up, forearm vertical at shoulder height
2. Squeeze the handle hard and keep the wrist straight
3. Brace the core and glutes and set the shoulder down
4. Press the kettlebell overhead slowly, keeping the bell balanced above the hand
5. Lower under control back to the shoulder and repeat before switching sides

Common mistakes

• Choosing a bell too heavy to keep balanced
• Letting the wrist bend back so the bell tips over
• Leaning the torso away from the working side

Variations

• Bottoms-up kettlebell hold at shoulder height for grip and stability
• Half-kneeling bottoms-up press to remove leg drive
• Bottoms-up kettlebell carry walking with the bell at the shoulder

FAQ