Another Press Question

[BIGGUY6FT6]

Coach Rippetoe--

Press stats:
Started at 90 lbs
Now at 185 lbs without reset
Form checked by CrossFit coach, humeri and torso @ 90 degree angle (identical to my rack position on Power Cleans) he said the form was good with straight up and down bar motion and speed.

6'6" 270 (gained 10 pounds lost inch on waist)

Question:
I am having a hard time getting the bar off my shoulders. Once I get it off shoulders I have no problems lifting to lock-out. Sometimes I use maybe a 2-3 inch drop at knees to get it off shoulders on last rep. Maybe a 1/4 or less of a push press. Should I be lynched and hung for doing this? Widen grip? I do have monkey arms and long forearms I don't know if that is the problem or not. Any advice is much appreciated.

[Mark Rippetoe]

If your upper arm and your torso are at a 90 degree angle, you are doing a tricep extension, not a press. Read the book.

[jtorres3]

Seriously dude, why do you think that your press position should be identical to having the bar in the "rack" for cleans? With a press, I find it beneficial to have my forearms vertical, when racking a bar for cleans your hands should not really be supporting the weight. So there are obvious differences in the purpose of the two movements. Just because they look good doesn't make it right

[Mark Rippetoe]

Seriously dude, why do you think that your press position should be identical to having the bar in the "rack" for cleans?

Because he hasn't read the book.

[jtorres3]

I also love how his coach is watching his barpath and barspeed (not really that important, the speed that is) yet it is somehow okay to do a half assed push press to get it started. Does that constitute great form? If you are wondering, the reason the first few inches is so hard is because you are creating an extremely accute angle between your forearm and humerus due to your 90 degree angle. This accute position makes it impossible for your shoulders to do any of the work until your forearms get near vertical. Until that point, all of the work is being done by the triceps to extend at the elbow.