Missing reps on bench, what's the correct adjustment?

[Maybach]

One more question, my spotter (some kid that benches 275 for reps at a bodyweight of 160) noted that my bar path is on the edge of being too vertical. Does he have a point? Thanks

He might. Your touch point is a bit high and your elbows are a bit far out. You could touch the bar perhaps an inch lower and keep your elbows closer to a 60 degree angle than the 80 you are mamaging. Note you might have to narrow your grip by a finger if you do this.

The angle might be playing tricks on us, but I wouldn't be surprised if that is the case.

[Tuna]

Minor detail here - your legs are wobbling a bit as you leg drive. I've found that pushing the knees out a bit (not unlike on the squat) helps get that more secure and a little bit more productive. Doing so might involve adjusting the angle of your feet, as well.

I experimented a bit with where to put my feet throughout the sets. Set 3 (more vertical shins and feet closer to the bench) definitely felt the most stable. Going to try your suggestion.

He might. Your touch point is a bit high and your elbows are a bit far out. You could touch the bar perhaps an inch lower and keep your elbows closer to a 60 degree angle than the 80 you are mamaging. Note you might have to narrow your grip by a finger if you do this.

The angle might be playing tricks on us, but I wouldn't be surprised if that is the case.

Gotcha, I'll adjust width and see what happens.

Thanks everyone, this has been very helpful.

[lspr_93]

I missed reps on the bench recently and had my programming changed to five sets of three on the bench. I don't know if it is appropriate for your case though.

[Tuna]

Another thing I have noticed is how much of a difference there is between taking a sort-of-kinda big breath and taking an actually big breath before a rep. I struggled on set 2 today at 170 and breezed through set 3, the amount of air in my lungs being the only difference in the setup.