Looking for the reason why my right arm drops when I bench press

[stingray72]

Im looking for where my weak point is so I can strengthen the area. I start out with a light bench with 135 for 10 reps and I make sure my grip is even using the olympic barbell rings as my mark with my pinky right outside it before I start lifting the bar . I continue on bringing the bar down just about sternum level (the div-it below my chest if im wrong on the term) and press straight up. The problem is my right side drops even though the weight is light for me and my form and speed of the rep is right on. I originally thought this was because of my injured shoulder but that has healed and this is still happening. The problem continues on my succeeding sets. Im suspecting this is because I have weak shoulders but I dont know if im right.

Also I want to add my feet are up off the floor when I bench press because I have cerebal palsy which affects my legs. My max bench is 230 currently. Also my right arm is my dominate side and I bench press every three days.

[ShortDave]

Without a video we won't be able to say for sure why it is happening (even then it would still be an educated guess) but I can say that if you squeeze your shoulder blades together as tight as possible for the entire lift your arm won't be able to drop and it will protect your shoulders.

[stingray72]

Ill get an old video I have up its worse than it is now since my shoulder healed but it will show whats going on. This is 145. When I was 146 pounds.

[neilmorgan77]

I watched the video and it's hard to tell what is going on which makes the right arm drop a bit more. If it's your dominant side, is it possible that you are just allowing it to drop further to make it easier on your left side?

What happens when you slow the movement down and really concentrate on keeping the bar level? Do you feel any weakness or lack of control in one side, or does the centre of the bar shift towards one side of your chest?

It could also be something to do with balance. You may be leaning slightly to one side without realising it, and because your legs aren't bearing the weight it would make it less obvious to you.

That's just some guesses. I think slowing it down and trying to find exactly where your form breaks is the best option.

[coachdeez]

I'm willing to bet that the issue is mostly a lack of coordination and balance.

[stingray72]

Im going to have to go back in the gym and try slowing the reps down but it may just be balance issues. The uneveness doesnt always happen by the way. So to me that wouldnt point to strength issues because then it would be consistent. But a guy that watched me said right away he thought my right side was trying to make it easier on my left. I repped you both for your help thank you.

[stingray72]

I found out one of the prescription drugs i was on cause coordination issues but I stopped that med today along with another and my strength went up well see if the coordination gets better.

[pumplikecuming]

Could be laxity in your shoulder joint. What exactly did you mess up?

[stingray72]

Could be laxity in your shoulder joint. What exactly did you mess up?

rotator cuff