Cable Single-Arm Triceps Kickback

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Beginner

Cable single-arm triceps kickback isolates the triceps via elbow extension, targeting all heads for arm hypertrophy and pushing strength; constant cable tension enhances muscle activation.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders

Accessory Muscles

Forearms, Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

10/10

Long Head, Lateral Head, Medial Head

Shoulders

3/10

Rear Delts

Forearms

2/10

Extensors

Abs

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Set cable pulley to hip height with single handle attachment. Stand facing machine, step back to create tension, hinge forward at hips with straight back and staggered stance.

  1. Grip handle with overhand grip in working hand.
  2. Bend elbow to 90 degrees, keeping upper arm parallel to floor and tucked to torso.
  3. Exhale and extend arm straight back by straightening elbow.
  4. Squeeze triceps at full extension.
  5. Inhale and slowly bend elbow to return to start.
  6. Maintain fixed upper arm throughout.
  7. Switch arms after reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Fix upper arm
  • Squeeze at top
  • Control return
  • No momentum
  • Elbow tight to side

Breathing

Inhale during return to start; exhale during extension. Brace core before each rep.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

From 90-degree elbow flexion to full elbow extension without hyperextension; upper arm stationary parallel to floor.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use light weight to prioritize form
  • Avoid if acute elbow pain present
  • Keep back neutral to protect spine
  • Do not hyperextend elbow

Spotting

Spotting not required; self-spot with free hand on hip or machine for balance if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging with body
  • Upper arm drifting
  • Heavy weight causing form breakdown
  • Rounding back
  • Snapping weight back

When to Avoid

  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder extension mobility
  • Wrist neutral grip comfort

Build Up First

  • Basic elbow extension control
  • Stable standing posture

Also known as

Single Arm Cable Tricep Kickback, One-Arm Cable Triceps Kickback, Cable Tricep Kickback Single Arm

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