Exercise guide
Band Bent Over Rear Deltoid Kickback
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Back
- Lower legs
- Shoulders
- Upper legs
This compound movement targets the rear deltoids and triceps simultaneously, improving shoulder stability and posterior chain strength. By combining a horizontal pull with an elbow extension, it maximizes tension on the upper back and the back of the arms.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Equipment
Setup
- Secure a resistance band to a power rack at roughly waist height.
- Stand facing the anchor point and grasp the band with both hands using a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Step back until there is slight tension in the band, then hinge at the hips until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor.
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a slight bend in your knees for stability.
How to do it
- Exhale as you pull your elbows back and up toward your ribcage, engaging your rear deltoids and traps.
- Once your upper arms are aligned with your torso, extend your elbows to straighten your arms completely behind you.
- Inhale as you slowly reverse the movement, first bending the elbows and then extending the arms back toward the anchor point.
- Maintain a controlled 2-1-2 tempo (2 seconds back, 1 second hold, 2 seconds return).
Form checklist
- Keep your spine neutral and avoid rounding your lower back.
- Ensure your elbows stay tucked close to your sides or slightly flared to target the rear delts.
- Avoid using momentum or swinging your torso to move the band.
- Keep your neck in a neutral position, looking slightly ahead of your feet.
Pro tips
- Focus on pulling with your elbows rather than your hands to better isolate the rear deltoids.
- At the peak of the kickback, squeeze your triceps and shoulder blades together for a full second to maximize muscle fiber recruitment.
Make it harder
- Increase the resistance by stepping further away from the anchor point or using a thicker band.
- Perform the movement unilaterally (one arm at a time) to increase core stability requirements.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the band bent over rear deltoid kickback work?
- The band bent over rear deltoid kickback primarily targets the deltoids and rhomboids, and also works the biceps, erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, and trapezius as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the band bent over rear deltoid kickback?
- The band bent over rear deltoid kickback uses resistance band.
- Is the band bent over rear deltoid kickback good for beginners?
- The band bent over rear deltoid kickback is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- Alternate Front Kick In Place With Arm CirclesBeginner · abs, calves, deltoids, and pectorals
- Barbell Behind The Back Push PressAdvanced · deltoids, glutes, and quadriceps
- Barbell High PullIntermediate · deltoids, erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, and trapezius
- Barbell Snatch PullAdvanced · deltoids, erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, lats, quadriceps, trapezius, and triceps