The backspin is an easy break dancing move that anybody can do. That doesn’t mean that everybody can do it well, though.
The key to a good backspin is in the momentum you create and the stability of your spin.
The 2 most used ways to get into this move are:
From a hand glide position, and
From a lying down position (on your back).
The technique described here (from a lying down position) is a good way to create a lot of momentum while keeping the majority of your body controlled.
If you wish to learn this move from the hand glide position, you can refer to the
Windmill Tutorial - Part 1
.
Simply keep spinning once you’ve transitioned from the hand glide position (instead of doing a windmill).
You’ll be generating a large amount of momentum from a leg whip (combined with a hand push) that will get directly transferred to your back (to make you spin).
Starting Position
Get down on the floor and lie on one side.
The bottom arm should keep your upper body up (by resting on your elbow).
The top arm will be used to generate momentum.
The bottom leg should stay straight throughout the wind-up.
The top leg should be bent at the knee, and resting behind the bottom leg.
Basically, your bottom hip and bottom elbow should be supporting the majority of your weight.
Step 1: The Wind-Up
From the starting position, you will now swing and kick the top leg (bent), just over the bottom leg.
Once you’ve kicked this leg, both your legs should stay straight for the rest of the wind-up.
When you kick, try to keep your leg close and parallel to the floor.
You can make it easier by leaning back with your upper body.
You can also swing your free arm (the one on top) in the same motion as the kicking leg (to the side and parallel to the floor).
As the kicking leg comes around and starts moving up, try to keep the rest of your body motionless (except for your free arm). You’re creating torque that will help you to spin faster.
Step 2: The Push-Off
As you reach your maximum flexibility with your kicking leg, it will start coming up higher off the ground (that’s ok, but keep it straight).
When this happens, your bottom leg will start to move, so you can start to transfer your momentum into the spin.
The bottom leg will begin to move in the same direction as the other leg (close and parallel to the floor). Remember to keep it straight.
The bottom arm will be used as a stabilizer, and for a final push.
Have the palm of your bottom hand on the ground, so you can push off (once both legs are in the windmill position).
The push should be downwards and towards your thigh, so that it’ll give you circular momentum.
Start off by not pushing too hard (so you won’t lose stability), and progressively push harder (as you get more comfortable).
See Part 2 of this tutorial for tips on spinning and transitions.
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