In this FM lesson, you will learn how to do a headspin. A headspin is a breakdance move in which you perform a headstand, strike out with your legs, and spin at least 360° on your head. Before attempting the headspin, you should be able to do a headstand. To protect your head, it’s recommended to use a BMX helmet or a hat. For more breakdancing instructions, please visit Breakdancing Main.
Description: Learn the Headspin
- Go into a headstand and spread your legs. VERY IMPORTANT: When initiating a headspin from a headstand, your fingers should point away from your head.
- Keep your head, neck, and spine vertical and in one line. To do so, contract your abdominals and neck muscles slightly.
- Move your center of gravity close to the point where your head touches the floor. The closer it is, the easier it will be to spin. (See Headstand lesson.)
- Before attempting your first headspin, practice striking out with your legs. Strike out slowly clockwise and counterclockwise and try not to lose balance. (Do not spin yet.)
- Your first headspin: Strike out, swing your legs back, and lift your hands when your hips and head point in the same direction. Your head and body should spin as one unit—do not spin your body first and then follow with your head. At the beginning, spin only a few degrees and then put your hands back down.
- Once you can perform a full rotation, you have basically mastered the headspin. More advanced variations are listed below.
Trainer Advice: Learn the Headspin
- Do not attempt the headspin without head protection unless you want to risk your hair permanently.
- To do more than one spin at once, bring your legs together (this increases momentum and speeds up rotation).
- After placing your hands back down, try to initiate another headspin as soon as possible without overextending your strike-out.
- Later, you can experiment with lifting your hands further and positioning your legs differently while spinning on your head.
Related Instructions: Learn the Headspin
- Headstand and Basic Freezes
- Handstand
- Windmill
- Butterfly Twist
Videos: Learn the Headspin
