Core · Bodyweight
Shoulder Tap
How to do the shoulder tap, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Reps
- Movement
- Isometric
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Start in a high plank with hands under your shoulders and feet about hip-width apart. Keeping your hips as still as possible, lift one hand off the floor and tap the opposite shoulder, then return it. Alternate hands for the desired reps, resisting any twist in your torso.
- 1Brace your core hard to keep your hips from rocking side to side
- 2Press firmly through the supporting hand to stay stable
- 3Keep a straight line from head to heels throughout
Common mistakes
- Don't let your hips twist or sway as you lift each hand
- Avoid letting your lower back sag toward the floor
- Don't rush the taps; move with control
Muscles worked
The shoulder tap mainly works the upper abs and obliques, with the lower abs, triceps, forearms, mid chest, glutes, and front delts assisting.
- Upper AbsPrimary
- ObliquesPrimary
- Lower AbsSupport
- TricepsSupport
- ForearmsSupport
- Mid ChestSupport
- GlutesSupport
- Front DeltsSupport
- LatsMinor
- Lower BackMinor
- Upper TrapsMinor
- Mid TrapsMinor
- Lower TrapsMinor
- QuadsMinor
- Side DeltsMinor
- Hip FlexorsMinor
Kovo programs the shoulder tap for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More abs & core exercises
- How to do the ab wheel rollout
- How to do the ankle tap plank
- How to do the ankle taps
- How to do the resistance band dead bugs
- How to do the resistance band pallof press
- How to do the rollout
Last reviewed June 2026.