Now that you know how to gain momentum going into your backspin, it’s time to concentrate on getting the most spins possible (by tucking comfortably and spinning on your upper back).
Step 3: Spinning
Most beginners make the mistake of tucking too soon, when they try this move for first time.
Let both your legs swing in wide arc (one after the other), and only push off when both your legs are locked in the windmill position.
You’re in the windmill position when both your legs are:
Mirroring each other (both legs in the same position),
Straight,
Spread wide, and
Form a 90 degree angle with your upper body.
As your legs come around, lean back more, so your shoulder makes contact with the floor (because you will be spinning on your upper back).
For some people, it helps them to have their arms straight out to each side, when they start spinning. It flattens their back and stabilizes their spin.
You will want to tuck in those arms eventually though, because it'll give you more speed. The same principle applies to your legs (bringing them in will allow you to spin faster).
Some bboys like to grab behind their thighs (when they spin), others like to tuck like a cannonball, so figure out in which position you’re most comfortable spinning.
Transitions
Now that you know how to backspin, it’s time to work on your transitions.
First, figure out which move you want to transition from. I recommend the hand glide (or handspin… same thing) for beginners because it’s easy and it comes naturally.
To properly transition from hand glide to back spin, you’ll need to:
Tuck (in your favorite position) to gain more speed.
Another fairly easy transition into this move is from a standing position (or top rock).
To do this, effectively you can refer to the
Coin Drop Tutorial - Part 1
. It will teach you how to get on your back from a standing position (with momentum to spin).
Once again, you should stabilize your spin (once you get on your back), before you tuck for more rotations.
General Tips
Practice getting your leg whip as wide as possible before trying to spin (slow motion is a good idea).
Remember to wait until your legs are locked in a windmill position before you push off with the bottom hand.
Practice getting into the back spin from lying down and from the hand glide position (they are both essential skills to learn in bboying).
Make sure to warm up your legs before try this move (or else you could pull a hamstring or groin muscle).
Practice your transitions into it (and out of it) with different moves.
Keep practicing and you'll get it in no time!
Do You Still Have A Question?
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