Cable Half Kneeling Face Pull - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Cable Half Kneeling Face Pull

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable Half Kneeling Face Pull.

MediumRear shoulders

About this exercise

The cable half kneeling face pull is a shoulder and upper-back exercise performed in a half-kneeling position, pulling a rope attachment from a high cable pulley toward the face. The half-kneeling stance reduces lower-body involvement and demands greater core stability while targeting the rear deltoids, rotator cuff, and upper traps.

How to Perform

  • Set a cable pulley to the highest position and attach a rope handle
  • Kneel on one knee in front of the cable stack, with the other foot forward; align the pulley roughly at face height
  • Grip the rope with both hands using an overhand grip, thumbs pointing toward each other
  • Brace your core and maintain a tall, neutral spine
  • Pull the rope toward your face, separating your hands as they approach your ears and externally rotating your shoulders
  • Pause briefly when your hands are level with your temples and your elbows are flared out
  • Slowly return to the start position under control
  • Complete all reps, then switch the kneeling leg for balance

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shoulders
Secondary
Side shouldersTrapeziusMiddle back

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable Half Kneeling Face Pull

The Cable Half Kneeling Face Pull is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.