James Dooley CSCS

Football , Powerlifting, Lacrosse, General Fitness
Coach
James Dooley

Looking to take your bench press to the next level? Whether you're aiming to break personal records, improve your overall strength, or compete in a powerlifting meet, this 12-Week High School Bench Press Strength Program is designed to help you build a solid foundation and maximize your performance.

What's Included:

  • Structured Phases: A carefully designed program that takes you through 3 phases — Base, Strength, and Peaking — to gradually increase strength, muscle mass, and bench press performance.
  • Progressive Overload: Methods for safely increasing intensity, ensuring you get stronger every week without risking injury.
  • Form Focus: Emphasis on proper technique, mobility, and explosive power to improve efficiency and maximize gains.
  • Accessory Movements: Targeted exercises to strengthen key muscle groups like the triceps, shoulders, and upper back for balanced strength and injury prevention.
  • Test Your Limits: Week 12 is dedicated to a max-effort bench press test, allowing you to measure your progress and hit new PRs!

Features
4 sessions per week
Must use App app to view and log training
Program Training
Equipment
Recommended
To successfully follow this program // you’ll need access to some basic gym equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get the most out of your training:Barbell & Weight PlatesA standard barbell (45 lbs / 20 kg) and adjustable weight plates are essential for the bench press and other pressing variations. Ensure that the barbell is in good condition and that you have enough weight to progressively overload as you get stronger.Flat BenchA sturdy flat bench is required for the main bench press. Make sure it’s adjustable if you plan to incorporate incline or decline variations.DumbbellsA set of dumbbells (light // medium // and heavy) is needed for accessory exercises like incline dumbbell presses // flyes // and tricep extensions.Dip Bars (or a Dip Belt if performing weighted dips)Dips are part of the accessory work // so you’ll need either parallel bars or a dip station. For weighted dips // a dip belt with added weight may be required.Cable Machine or Resistance BandsThe program includes exercises like tricep pushdowns and cable flyes. A cable machine or resistance bands will help you target your triceps // shoulders // and chest with controlled movements.Smith Machine or a Spotter (for safety during max lifts)While a Smith machine isn’t necessary for everyone // it can be helpful for safely performing heavy sets // especially if you're lifting without a spotter. If you're training with free weights // always make sure you have a spotter for heavy bench press sets.Pull-up Bar or Lat Pulldown Machine (for upper back work)For building upper back strength to support your pressing movements // a pull-up bar or lat pulldown machine will be useful for exercises like lat pulldowns or pull-ups.MiscellaneousResistance Bands: To add variable resistance or assist with mobility work.Weight Bench for Overhead Press: In case you choose to incorporate overhead press variations.This equipment will cover all the necessary movements for the program // from your core bench press sessions to accessory exercises that will help you strengthen supporting muscles and improve overall stability.With this setup // you'll be well-equipped to complete each phase of the program and make the most of your training. Let me know if you need any recommendations for affordable or alternative equipment! 
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Sample Week
Week 1 of 12-week program
Sunday
Bench Template

A

Light Jog

1 x 10:00

B

Bench Press

4 x 10 @ 65 %

C

Incline DB Bench Press

3 x 10 @ 60 %

D

Dip

3 x 8

E

Overhead Press

3 x 8 @ 70 %

Tuesday
Week 1 Day 3

A

Paused Bench Press

3 x 5 @ 50 %

B

Close Grip Bench Press

3 x 10 @ 65 %

C

Push Ups

Thursday
Bench Template

A

Light Jog

1 x 10:00

B

Bench Press

4 x 10 @ 65 %

C

Incline DB Bench Press

3 x 10 @ 60 %

D

Dip

3 x 8

E

Overhead Press

3 x 8 @ 70 %

Saturday
Week 1 Day 7

A

Paused Bench Press

3 x 5 @ 50 %

B

Close Grip Bench Press

3 x 10 @ 65 %

C

Push Ups

High School Bench Protocol