Fixed bar path, all shoulder, no balance tax.
Because the bar path is fixed, set your seat so the bar travels right over your shoulders, not in front.
Pressing overhead on the Smith machine puts the delts through a full vertical press while the track absorbs every balance demand, with the triceps closing out the lockout. Because the bar cannot drift, positioning yourself is the whole skill, set up right and the load travels straight through the shoulder line rep after rep. It earns its place for pressing heavy or to failure without a spotter, and for delt work when stabiliser fatigue usually ends your sets early.
Seated is the classic setup because the fixed path pairs well with a fixed torso, and it removes leg drive entirely. Standing works too, but you must position your feet precisely under the track.
Your seat or stance is set too far back. Line yourself up so the bar starts just above your shoulders and travels straight up through them, not up past your nose.
You will likely press more on the Smith because nothing needs stabilising, but less of it transfers to free-weight strength. Use it for delt-focused volume and safe overload, not as your only overhead work.
