Kettlebell High Pull exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Kettlebell High Pull

Advanced
Home Friendly

Explosive kettlebell pull that targets glutes, hamstrings, traps, and deltoids to build power and conditioning; progresses toward snatches from swings.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Abs, Quads, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Power
Conditioning
Strength

Training Style

CrossFit
Functional Training
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

8/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Traps

8/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps

Shoulders

7/10

Rear Delts

Lats

5/10

Teres Major

Abs

5/10

Quads

4/10

Forearms

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

5-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Place kettlebell on floor between feet shoulder-width apart. Hinge at hips to grip handle with one hand, back flat, core engaged.

  1. Hike kettlebell back between legs while inhaling.
  2. Explosively drive hips forward through heels to swing kettlebell up.
  3. As kettlebell reaches chest height, pull elbow high and wide to shoulder.
  4. Keep wrist straight and kettlebell close to body.
  5. Punch kettlebell back down along same path for controlled descent.
  6. Repeat swing from between legs without pause.
  7. Switch arms after set.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive with hips first
  • Elbow high above wrist
  • Keep kettlebell close
  • Brace core tight
  • Neutral spine always

Breathing

Inhale during hike back, exhale forcefully during hip drive and pull.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

From ground between legs to elbow at or above shoulder level with full hip extension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Master one-arm swing before attempting
  • Start with light weight
  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Keep elbow high to prevent shoulder strain
  • Control descent to avoid jerking
  • Maintain straight wrist

Spotting

Spotting not typically needed; use lighter weight or safeties if progressing heavy. Assist by guiding kettlebell path if form breaks.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding back during hinge
  • Using arm pull instead of hips
  • Letting kettlebell drift away from body
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Dropping kettlebell uncontrolled

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Shoulder flexion for high pull

Build Up First

  • Proficient in one-arm kettlebell swing
  • Basic hip drive mechanics

Also known as

KB High Pull, Kettlebell Upright Row Pull, Single Arm Kettlebell High Pull

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.