Medicine Ball Slams

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Intermediate
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Explosive full-body plyometric exercise using a medicine ball to target core, shoulders, legs, and back for power development and cardiovascular conditioning, ideal for HIIT workouts.

About Exercise

Equipment

Medicine Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Shoulders

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Power
Conditioning
Strength

Training Style

HIIT
CrossFit
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

High

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Obliques

7/10

External Obliques

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Quads

7/10

Rectus Femoris

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris

Lower Back

7/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold medicine ball at chest height with both hands, core engaged and posture neutral.

  1. Squat slightly to load, inhale deeply.
  2. Explode upward through heels, extending hips, knees, and ankles while lifting ball overhead with straight arms.
  3. Exhale forcefully, engage core, and slam ball down between feet using full body power.
  4. Drive hips back and bend knees to follow through the slam.
  5. Squat to pick up ball from floor.
  6. Repeat immediately for next rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive through heels
  • Keep core tight
  • Explode from hips
  • Arms straight overhead
  • Follow through fully

Breathing

Inhale during the loading phase, exhale forcefully during the slam to engage core and generate power.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Lift ball until arms are fully extended overhead without arching back; slam until ball contacts ground between feet with full hip and knee flexion.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use slam ball to avoid rebound injuries
  • Ensure clear open space
  • Avoid if acute lower back or shoulder issues
  • Start with light weight for form
  • Warm up joints and muscles first

Spotting

No spotting required; perform in open area away from others for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back overhead
  • Using only arms to slam
  • Leaning back during lift
  • Poor core engagement
  • Slamming outside feet

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent spinal injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion overhead
  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip mobility for squat

Build Up First

  • Basic squat technique
  • Core bracing competency
  • Explosive movement experience

Also known as

Slam Ball Slams, MB Slams, Medicine Ball Throws

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