Working on Arch's for PL Bench

[ThePolishHammer]

I was doing ME bench day today.
Besides focusing on the push, i was really working on my form, and my arch. Shortening that ROM just an inch or two with a good arch made a solid 10-15lb diffrence in my bench.
Would practicing bridges, or something for back felxibility help to create a greater arch in your back during bench?

 

[Liftbig]

i wouldnt worry about getting a huge arch for benching.

 

[jeremys]

just trying to move your feet back every day that you bench helps. it's just a whole flexibility thing. metal militia had a great article but i think their site is down now

 

[JDarty6173]

Personally if I have a good foot position behind my knees and am driving my traps into the bench, then I have all the arch I think I would reasonably need.

 

[spatts]

polish hammer, I have been thinking about this alot the last few days too. We did two board press Tuesdy night, and by the time a 2 board sinks into your chest, you're looking at it beeing about 1-1.5 inches away from being a full ROM. Well, I put up 300 pounds like it was no big deal. So I got to thinking, if I could arch just a TAD more, and still keep my arse on the bench and STILL drive with my legs, I should technically be able to match my 2 board numbers.

More suggestions would be appreciated...

 

[ThePolishHammer]

Yeah actually, thats pretty much what made me think of that as well.
as far as increasing your arch... all i can think of right now is practice, and work on some bridges (although i dont know how well those would work on a bench)... any ideas?

btw, How far away are your 2 board numbers from your regular bench?

 

[spatts]

My previous PR was a hard 298, and I bench 250 in comp, barely missed 260 . . . fell out of the groove. So about 40-50 pounds difference (???).

I have a real sway back anyway, so arching is NO problem. I just want to be able to do it SAFELY.