What is the correct spotting technique for the barbell flat bench press?

Placing hands on the client's elbows positions the spotter far from the barbell and does not allow effective control of the load if the client fails the lift.

Keeping both hands on the bar at all times constitutes continuous assistance rather than spotting, which invalidates the exercise as an independent effort and does not reflect standard bench press spotting protocol.

Keeping hands close to the bar without touching it allows the spotter to monitor bar path and be in an optimal position to provide immediate assistance if the client fails a repetition or loses control. This technique avoids providing unintended assistance that could compromise the integrity of the lift while ensuring a rapid response is possible. The close proximity to the bar - rather than the client's body - addresses the primary safety concern of the barbell becoming uncontrolled.

Holding hands at the sides with elbows flexed at 45 degrees keeps the spotter too far from the bar to react quickly enough to prevent injury if the client suddenly fails the lift.