For form and ROM purposes, wouldn’t it be optimal to shift the elbows back just slightly allowing the bar to descend to a lower position? It also seems that the stress on the elbows would be lesser (bottom of movement) as well. Will the greater range of movement increase hypertrophy potential?
I know there are a few different ways to perform this exercise but just had to ask.
This is a “meat and potatoes” exercise for me, besides close-grip benches. While laying on a bench with a SLIGHT incline, I keep my arms about 10 degrees from being perpendicular to the floor. This way there is constant tension on the tris, even at lockout. Keeping my arms more or less from that angle will either take the tension off, or put too much pressure on my shoulders (like a lever).
Done the way MassNutrition stated, the long head of the tricepts would be stretched more, and thus, would be worked more.
Personally, I use a flat bench, and start the bar directly over my eyes. As I lower it, I allow my elbows to drift forward, so the bar travels in a strait line down to my eyes/forhead. It ends up being almost a press, but it is very effective at stimulating growth in the medial head, where I am lacking and need it.