Plyometric Push-Up - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Plyometric Push-Up

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Plyometric Push-Up.

HardMiddle chest

About this exercise

The Clap Push-Up is a plyometric chest exercise that develops explosive upper-body power. You lower yourself to the floor as in a standard push-up, then press up with maximum force to launch your hands off the ground and clap before landing with control.

How to Perform

  • Start in a high plank position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width and body forming a straight line
  • Lower your chest to the floor in a controlled manner, keeping your elbows at roughly 45 degrees
  • Brace your core and push the floor away explosively with maximum force
  • As your hands leave the ground, bring them together quickly to clap in mid-air
  • Catch yourself by landing with slightly bent elbows to absorb the impact
  • Reset briefly, then repeat for the desired number of reps

Muscle Activation

Primary
Middle chest
Secondary
TricepsFront shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Plyometric Push-Up

The Plyometric Push-Up 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.