Push your elbows slightly forward and inward. This is the familiar to you “corkscrew” technique; the principles of strength are universal. Do not lift your elbows high because it will put your deltoids into a contracted position, and you will have nothing to start the press with. Do not make the common mistake of copying the barbell jerk or front squat rack! It offers no leverage to press heavy. For the strict press, your elbows must be strictly under the bar or slightly in front of it, but never behind. It is very important to understand that the first half of a strict military press is essentially a front delt raise. Which means that it is your elbows that should be driving the weight and not your hands. And this is the secret to passing your head smoothly and strongly. The delts stop working when the upper arms are parallel to the platform. Triceps time. Instead of pushing the bar up, push yourself away from it, advises Olympic champion Arkady Vorobyev. Sounds familiar? Press as close to your forehead as possible. When the bar is somewhat above your head, flare the elbows, push your head and shoulders under the bar, and finish the press by pushing slightly back. Stand up victorious, a heavy weight overhead. | 
