Major Muscles and Actions Involved
In the overhead (triceps) press the triceps brachii muscle is involved in elbow joint extension. In this action the forearm moves away from the upper arm, which is held stable, to a fairly straight, upright, arm position.
Muscles in Action
Sports Uses
Elbow joint extension and the muscles involved are very important in execution of many sports skills. For example, they are needed in many overhead hitting actions such as the tennis serve and smash and basketball shooting. Elbow joint extension is a key action in pushing and throwing actions as used in the shot put, pressing up into a handstand in gymnastics, in hand-to-hand balancing, pushing an opponent in football, jabbing in boxing, various actions in mixed martial arts, in some baseball pitches and so on.
Important Facts to Know