Wall Slide

Teaches the shoulder blades to rotate upward properly — the missing piece in most restricted overhead positions.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Bodyweight
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Lower Trapezius · Serratus Anterior
ALSO WORKS
Deltoids · Rotator Cuff
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Stand with your back to a wall, feet a few inches out, lower back flat against it.
  2. 02Place the forearms on the wall, elbows at shoulder height.
  3. 03Slide the arms upward while keeping the ribs down and the low back flat.
  4. 04Go only as high as you can without the back arching, then slide back down.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Ribs down — the moment your back arches you're faking the range.
  2. 02Push into the wall the whole time to keep serratus working.
  3. 03Slow. This is a control drill, not a stretch.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Arching the lower back to get the arms higher.
  2. 02Letting the elbows drift off the wall.
  3. 03Rushing through reps instead of owning each inch.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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