Eccentric Bench Press

Going far too fast on the eccentric of the bench press is a very prevalent issue especially amongst younger lifters. There's a time and place to go faster on the eccentric such as the NFL combine test we referred to in this video, but for the most part within strength training for sport and especially powerlifting going fast on the eccentric causes more harm than good. Positions often get inconsistent, and often times there is a dumping motion at the bottom which can cause scapular elevation and in turn a higher risk of injury to the shoulder which of course we do not want. Keep in mind we are around 50% stronger on the eccentric of a lift so the concern of conserving energy is not all that relevant and furthermore better more consistent positions at the bottom will be achieved through a more controlled eccentric. The goal of the eccentric should be to set oneself up for a better concentric.

[@ottowelt4378]

Doesnt the stretch reflex Last up to 3-5 seconds in trained athletes?

[@michaelkohl2250]

Don't forget physics 😁 slowing down a falling weight is a nightmare