How do you do decline presses?

[malhavoc]

With all the hype that surrounds the decline barbell press here, I think I'll give it a second look.

My problem with it though, is that I can't go heavy at all without my shoulders feeling vulnerable. So my question is this, what type of a grip do you use? Wide, close, same as flat?

My grip on flat and incline is fairly wide (I have my index fingers on the rings), and I have no shoulder problems doing dips.

Any tips?

 

[calvesodeath]

Try using dumbells for your declines rather than a barbell. Just my .02

 

[malhavoc]

I have and I can do them fine. I was just looking for an alternative.

 

[Ingram]

I have and I can do them fine. I was just looking for an alternative.

Try them on a smith machine.

 

[edgecrusher]

I use the same grip as when I flat. But I use a grip inside the rings.

 

[mekannik]

I mainly utilize the decline bench to work my triceps. Using a 12"-14" grip, keep your elbows in tight, bring the bar to below your nipples (or just below the pec/trunk crease), pause on the chest, and explode.

This has been the key to me building my triceps.

Also - I use a "thumbless" grip (i.e. thumbs are by my fingers - not reaching around the bar) which allows for a better push.