This book provides a concise practical introduction to the split-Hopkinson bar, by giving an overview of both the basic technique and a wide range of topics relevant to its application. The split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) has become the key apparatus for the characterization of the mechanical response of materials at high strain rates. Systems have been used at rates from approximately 100 to 1,000,000 s-1, to test materials ranging from low modulus elastomers to high strength superalloys. The power of the system is its suitability, with appropriate practice, to be used on many materials and in conjunction with a wide range of different diagnostic systems. Each chapter provides information and guidance for practitioners to perform high-quality experiments, whilst also introducing the resources required to engage in a deeper exploration of the topic.