1. Pop at the Top
Pop push-ups, sometimes performed as clap push-ups, is a form of ballistic exercise that targets the chest and ancillary upper body muscles like the triceps and shoulders. The difference between the pop and regular push-up is the pop requires you to push up explosively so your hands leave the ground, demanding a surge of strength and coordination.
2. Go Through the Motions
Most people won't be able to simply drop and do 10 pop push-ups. Few people are able to do even 10 regular, full range of motion push-ups to completion. The important thing is to progress through a range of increasingly difficult push up styles, starting from a simple plank, for which you plank up on your hands and feet with your front facing the ground. Progress on to band assisted push ups by connecting an exercise band to a raised object and putting the band around your waist to do your push ups. Finally, do unassisted push ups on kettlebells or bricks to increase your range of motion.
3. A Weighty Matter
At some point in your push-up progression, you may find you have a sticking point, or a point where you continually fail. Combat the sticking point by first identifying it and then doing some weight training to help yourself along. Dumbbell shoulder swings are a very good first choice since they are low impact (some might say no impact) and strengthen and stretch your upper body muscles.
4. Raise the Level
Once you start to do pop push-ups consistently you should raise the intensity or difficulty each week. If you can do the exercise with good form, then the following week place a short object like an aerobics stepper to the side. Aim to pop and push over and to the side of the object and then back to the other side of it. This will improve your ability to do clap push ups while giving you a targeted chest workout.
5. Take Off With Ballistic Exercise
Since the pop push-up is essentially a ballistic exercise, it makes sense to work it into a program of ballistic workouts. The simplest is to find a running track or field and mark four points of even distance. Start running at a moderate pace and every time you reach a marked point drop down and do 10 pop push ups. If you can complete a mile with the push ups you're in very good condition.
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