The face pull is a simple shoulder prep exercise to improve scapular motion and stability, although there’s plenty of disagreement on the best way to perform it.
 
Stand and hold a band or cable at face level. Ideally loop a second band or similar through the attached one to allow a wider grip, and hold with the thumbs up.
 
Pull straight back toward the face, retracting the shoulder blades and keeping them down while spreading the hands to finish with the forearms approximately vertical.
 
A more common execution is with a single band and a closer grip, and pulling the hands straight to the face. This is still a valuable exercise as long as you focus on the retraction and depression of the shoulder blades.
 
Purpose
The face pull is a simple shoulder prep exercise to improve scapular motion and stability.
 
Programming
This is a good preparatory exercise for use in a warm-up. 1-3 sets of 10-20 reps are appropriate.
 
Variations
Slower tempos and pauses in the back of the motion can be used.