The Finer Points of Flipping Tires

By Kurtis Bowler

April 22, 2010

Kurtis Bowler of Rainier CrossFit is a CrossFitter with an affinity for strongman movements, and in this video he goes over the various ways to flip a tire.

You can take a wide snatch grip or a narrow sumo grip on the tire, and with lighter tires athletes can choose to drive it all the way up in one movement (much like a snatch or power clean). With heavier rubber, athletes will be forced to add in a few more steps. The best strategy is drive into the tire, step forward and extend the hips. At this point you should drive off one leg while kicking into the tire with the other. The sumo grip will also involve more of a shrug to elevate the tire.

Common faults involve deadlifting the tire rather than driving into it and setting your hips in a poor starting position.

8min 57sec

Additional video: Strongman Hip Extension by Rob Orlando, published Dec. 9, 2009.

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4 Comments on “The Finer Points of Flipping Tires”

Zach Even - Esh wrote …

Kurtis

you're THE man, I need to travel west and hit your gym

THIS IS A CRITICAL VIDEO for ALL CF Coaches to watch

I see tons of people curling tires up, no chest / leg drive or losing chest contact

I've also seen guys tearing biceps by starting the lift via the biceps, so re-watch this video!

Drive the hell out of that tire w/chest and legs

Kurtis, your gym is f***ing awesome bro!

Thank YOU!

--Z--

wrote …

If that is a crimson ghost tattoo... amazing!

wrote …

Kurtis = the man.

wrote …

Awesome tips, Ive been tire flipping to prepare for rugby and Im suprised that my technique is as close to the snatch style as it is but watching this will no doubt help me refine it. Cant wait to see if all this hard work helps me crush some tackles!!!