How To Headspin
The headspin is another signature breakdancing powermove that links well with the windmill, flare, 1990, 2000, and airflare among others.
This move is relatively dangerous for beginner bboys, because they might not be ready to spin (when they try it for the first time).
Here is what you should be able to do, before you try spinning on your head:
- Hold a
headstand
for over a minute,
- Move your legs in different positions while in a headstand (without losing your balance), and
- Have good form while in a headstand (ask a friend or family member if your spine is straight).
Once can do these three prerequisites, you move on to spinning... but don’t try anything before you grab your favorite
beanie
, and find a smooth/level surface with open space.
Step 1: Proper Leg Movements
The first thing you’ll want to practice (before you actually start spinning) is your leg movements.
Once you’re in a headstand, you want to practice the following:
- Cross your legs (on either side), while keeping the rest your body balanced,
- Swing each leg (one after the other) in a circular motion to get them crossed on the other side,
- Always keep your upper body static (don’t spin yet), and practice going back and forth crossing and swinging your legs,
- Spread your legs as much as possible when you swing them around (it will give you better balance once start spinning).
Get really comfortable with this exercise before you try spinning... or else you won’t be stable when you whip your legs around (and you could get injured).
Step 2: Slow Spinning
For this next step you will need a beanie (or a bandana, or something else that spins well) and a floor that is also easy to spin on.
You can now start practicing to spin slowly and catching yourself (putting your hands down) at short intervals.
You should do that by doing the same exercise as Step 1, but this time you’ll let go (with your hands) as your legs uncross.
This should allow your body to spin on your head. If it doesn’t work, try to lock your legs once they’ve uncrossed and they’re spread wide open. Locking your legs should transfer the momentum from your legs into your upper body (and head).
At this point you shouldn’t go for a huge spin, just try a quarter turn (90 degrees at a time) and then catch yourself (always trying to keep yourself balanced).
Once you’ve caught yourself, cross your legs again and try another ¼ turn.
Step 3: Proper Progressions
Now that you can spin slowly, while whipping your legs every ¼ spin, you can now try to whip your legs only once.
I recommend that you still catch yourself (put your hands down) every ¼ spin, but try to keep the same spin going (instead of crossing and swinging your legs again).
Once you’re comfortable with that exercise, you try to put your hands down less frequently (every ½ turn, or every 360 degrees, or whatever you can pull off) and try to increase your spinning speed.
The remaining skill that’s left for you to practice is gliding longer (doing more spins without putting your hands down).
General Tips
- Always concentrate on keeping your back straight and your legs spread when you spin.
- Stop practicing if you hurt yourself (and re-assess the damage the next day).
- Always warm-up before doing headspins (you don’t want to injure your neck... believe me).
- Always wear a beanie or something that reduces friction with the ground.
- Be patient and follow the progressions if you want to progress quickly and safely.
Remember to find original ways to incorporate it into your routine.
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