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Diamond Plyometric Push-Up

Also written as NAT Diamond plyo push ups

Advanced movement. Use appropriate equipment, safety pins or spotters, and a load you can control. If you are unfamiliar with the movement, learn the technique before attempting the programmed intensity.

What it trains

triceps brachii, pectoralis major

Also: anterior deltoid, core

Equipment

bodyweight

Setup

  • Start in a diamond push-up position with the hands together under the chest.
  • Brace the trunk hard.

Execution

  1. 1.Lower the chest toward the hands with the elbows tucked.
  2. 2.Press explosively so the hands leave the floor.
  3. 3.Land softly, re-forming the diamond, and absorb into the next rep.

Breathing

Breathe between reps.

Form cues

  • Elbows stay close on both the press and the landing.
  • Re-form the diamond before absorbing the landing.
  • Stop when the hands stop leaving the floor.

Common mistakes

  • Landing with the hands apart and the wrists at odd angles.
  • Flaring the elbows to generate more pop.
  • Continuing past the point where the movement slows down.

Safety

  • The narrow hand position is demanding on the wrists — build up from standard plyometric push-ups first.
  • A commonly cited NSCA readiness standard for upper-body plyometrics is being able to press 60% of your bodyweight for 5 bench press repetitions in 5 seconds. Build that base before adding volume here.

Technique written to align with

  • NSCA — Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning
  • NSCA — plyometric program design guidance (verified Aug 2026)

Instructions and diagrams on this page are original to QuantumWorkout.