The split Hopkinsonpressure bar (SHPB) experimental technique is the most commonmethod to evaluate the dynamic mechanical properties in the rangeof strain rates from 10$^{2}$s$^{ - 1}$ to 10$^{4}$s$^{ - 1}$. Thestate-of-the-art methods in Hopkinson bar experiments aresummarized after a detailed discussion of the three classic papersby Hopkinson, Davies, and Kolsky. Advancements of the Hopkinsonbar experimental methods are discussed, including fundamentaltheories, loading techniques and improvements in measurements.Fundamentals of the Hopkinson bar experimental procedure areoutlined, including specimen design, friction effect and pulseshaping. The loading techniques consist of pulse shaping,single-pulse loading and controlled multi-pulse loading. Thequartz-crystal system, the laser system and the infrared systemrepresent recent improvements in the SHPB experimental technique.This paper provides necessary information for conducting aHopkinson bar experiment and analyzing the experimental data. Itis essential to standardize the SHPB technique and apply it toeven larger range of materials in the future.