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Breaking basics4 minutes

Kick down in breaking: A guide to the go down

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • The Kick Down is a classic transition from standing to the floor, which lowers the hips in a controlled manner through a targeted kick.
  • The move is gentle on the wrists, as body weight is absorbed by the footwork and not dropped bluntly onto the floor.
  • As a clean go down, it connects standing toprocks fluidly with floor-based footwork.
  • No acrobatic experience is required for the Kick Down, which is why it is perfect for beginners.

Master the transition to the floor together

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Master the transition to the floor together

The transition from standing to floorwork determines how dynamic your dance looks. With the classic kick down, you master this transition safely, in a controlled manner, and without putting strain on your joints.

What you need for training

  • Enough space on a smooth, clean floor
  • Flat sneakers with good support and a flexible sole
  • Warmed-up wrists, knees, and ankles
  • Basic sense of balance on one leg

Why the controlled transition in breaking is crucial

The kick down is one of the most important and safest go downs in breaking. It closes the gap between dancing while standing, the so-called toprock, and the steps on the floor, the footwork. Many beginners make the mistake of letting themselves fall uncontrollably or catching their full body weight on their wrists. This not only leads to messy movements, but also enormously increases the risk of injury. A cleanly executed kick down uses gravity and the momentum of a targeted kick to lower the hips elegantly and place the hands precisely on the floor.

Anyone who wants to learn to dance breaking needs this fluid transition to bring momentum into their rounds. Through the kick, the body weight is shifted at the decisive moment, so that you glide downwards almost weightlessly. It is not about acrobatics or risky falls, but about pure physics and body control. Once you have internalized the movement sequence, the change of levels feels completely natural and forms the perfect bridge for your first footwork combinations.

A controlled go down starts in your head: the kick guides the movement, while your eyes and hands safely target the floor.
A controlled go down starts in your head: the kick guides the movement, while your eyes and hands safely target the floor.

Step by step to the perfect kick down

  1. Take your starting position

    Start in a stable, hip-width stance. Your weight is evenly distributed, and your knees are slightly bent so you can react flexibly at any time.

  2. Initiate the kick

    Kick your dominant leg forward and upward with momentum. This kicking motion automatically pulls your hip slightly backward and initiates the downward movement.

  3. Bend your standing leg deeply

    While your kicking leg moves forward, bend your standing leg deeply. Lower your hips in a controlled manner towards your heel, as if you were squatting on one leg.

  4. Place your hands in a controlled manner

    Bring your hands to the floor before your glutes reach the lowest point. Place your palms flat to gently cushion the remaining weight.

  5. Stabilize in a squat

    Catch yourself in a stable, deep squat. The kicking leg is pulled back in, so you are sitting stably on both balls of your feet and ready for the footwork.

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Avoiding mistakes with the kickdown in breakdance

Correct

  • Lead the kick actively forward and downward
  • Bend your knees elastically when lowering
  • Distribute your weight evenly across your legs and hands

Wrong

  • Falling onto your knees from a standing position without breaking your fall
  • Landing with your arms completely locked
  • Keeping your gaze fixed upwards

Your checklist for a safe go down

Before training

Preparation

During execution

Meanwhile

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. The kick down is a controlled, fluid transition where the hips are lowered by a kick. A drop, on the other hand, is often an abrupt, more acrobatic fall that requires significantly more strength and cushioning.

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