Perfect Dumbbell Bench Press: Key Form Cues Don’t grip the dumbbell in the exact center — slide your hands slightly higher on the handle. Hold the dumbbells with a slight external rotation so they form a soft V-shape. Keep your wrists neutral and stacked over your forearms, not bent or collapsed. Don’t shrug your shoulders — depress them and keep them away from your ears. Bring your feet back closer to your hips and drive them firmly into the floor. Keep your chest lifted, not caved in. At the t