Best way to improve chest strength at beginning of bench?

[Hawse]

Sorry about the long title, but my question is How do I increase my strength at the beginning of my bench press. My lockout strength is fine, but what excercise can I do to help my intial push to halfway up. My bench is decent now at 385, but I seem to struggle in that one area. I think that is what is holding me back from moving up. Also on a side note should I be locking out everytime or just coming up 3\4 of the way. Thanks guys a lot of useful info on here.

[DSM4Life]

Sorry about the long title, but my question is How do I increase my strength at the beginning of my bench press. My lockout strength is fine, but what excercise can I do to help my intial push to halfway up. My bench is decent now at 385, but I seem to struggle in that one area. I think that is what is holding me back from moving up. Also on a side note should I be locking out everytime or just coming up 3\4 of the way. Thanks guys a lot of useful info on here.

You really shouldn't lock out because it's hard on the joints. Most people do it to take a few sec break at the top. Also without the lockout it makes the lift harder.

[mateo112]

do lower half partial reps. it may help your strength and get you past a plateau.

[El Gallo Negro]

when i start to hit plateaus i really focus on my tempo and control of the weight. take a couple chest days to go a little lower with weight and take about 2 to 3 seconds on the way down then exploding up.