The difference between a board press and a bench press is that you only move through partial range of motion — your elbows never fully extend, and your chest never comes forward to meet the bar. A board, usually wood, sits on your chest and stops the bar's descent partway down. This limits your range but it lets you press heavier weight and it trains your lockout strength. If you are weak at the top of a bench press, board press is your answer. Lie back, hold the bar, and press to lockout but do not let the bar travel below the board. Lower and repeat. This teaches your nervous system to generate force at the top end of pressing.