The bicycle pump is an extremely easy break dancing move that adds variety to your downrock.
It serves as a good warm-up for bboys, since it doesn’t require a lot of flexibility or strength to do.
To get the most of this move, you should learn to blend it into your routine (where it fits in smoothly) as you create some original transitions from it.
Don’t use it too much and don’t stay in it too long because your routine will start to look like a workout.
STARTING POSITION
To do this move, you’ll want to start off in a push up position.
STEP 1: BENT KNEE TO THE CHEST
From the starting position, bring one knee close to your chest, while keeping the other leg straight (and still on the floor).
You should be in a runner’s stance (the position runners get into when they’re about to start a race), without the bent leg touching ground.
STEP 2: SWITCHING LEG POSITIONS
All that’s left to do is quickly switch your leg positions.
So, if your left leg is bent under you, with your right leg straight; you should end up with your right leg bent and your left leg straight.
Every time you switch your leg positions, your feet should tap the ground (only the foot with the straight leg should touch the ground).
To do this effectively, you will have to put the majority of your weight on your arms, so your legs won’t have to support a lot of weight.
Practice this move regularly and you’ll quickly figure out how to switch your leg positions with more speed.
Remember to do it on the beat (or every half beat, or quarter beat… just hit the beat).
VARIATIONS
Once you can do the basic movements, it’s a good idea to come up with some variations. This allows you to add some extra style in your routine, and improvise more easily.
A simple variation that you can try is bringing each knee under and across (instead of bringing them to your chest).
Another interesting variation is similar to the one mentioned above. This time, as you bring each knee under and across, kick out to that opposite side. Alternate doing this with each leg, and it will create another variation.
GENERAL TIPS
Never put too much of this move (more than 5 repetitions for each leg) into your routine because it starts to get old and unoriginal for spectators.
The basic movements of the bicycle pump can serve as part of a good warm-up.
Practice this move regularly at first when you’re trying to learn it. Once you’re comfortable with it, come up with your own variation, and then put it into your routine.
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