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Breakdance technique4 minutes

Learn the Windmill in breakdance: step by step

By Mary De LucaUpdated

In a nutshell
  • The windmill is based on rolling continuously over the shoulders and upper back, while keeping the legs wide open.
  • Momentum is generated by kicking the lead leg intentionally and pulling the trailing leg along.
  • The hands support the body in the freeze and push off at the right moment to continue the rotation.
  • A rounded upper back prevents the spine from painfully hitting the floor.

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For many b-boys and b-girls, the windmill is the magic threshold to real power moves. With the right understanding of momentum and weight distribution, you will master this legendary movement step by step.

What you need for your windmill training

  • Secure backward freeze (turtle and shoulder freeze)
  • Good leg flexibility for a wide split
  • Non-slip but smooth floor like PVC or parquet
  • No acute shoulder or wrist issues

The physics behind the perfect rotation on the floor

The windmill is the epitome of breakdance: if you master it, you master the game with gravity. But behind the seemingly effortless spinning on the floor, there is no secret, just pure physics. The key lies in the constant interplay of momentum, weight shifting, and leverage. If you want to master power moves in breakdance, you have to learn to perceive your body as a rotating axis.

Your legs act as the flywheels that must remain wide open to make maximum use of the moment of inertia. As soon as you bend or close your legs, the rotation collapses. Your upper body, in turn, controls the height and absorbs the weight. To optimally protect your wrists and shoulders during this tough training, you should familiarize yourself with the learn breaking dance basics beforehand and prepare yourself in a targeted manner.

5 steps to your first clean windmill

  1. Entering the stab freeze

    Start in the classic freeze position on your hands, with the elbow of your dominant arm firmly anchored in your hip. Your legs are spread wide and your forehead is almost touching the floor.

  2. Get the momentum from your legs

    Kick your upper leg back and up in a wide arc with maximum force. At the same time, pull your other leg under your body to initiate the first rotation.

  3. Rolling over the shoulder

    Push off with your supporting hand and slide in a controlled manner from your hip onto your shoulder. Keep your head close to the ground and your back rounded to cushion the impact.

  4. Slide over the upper back

    Roll fluidly over your upper back to the other shoulder, while your legs continue to maintain the wide V-shape. Your bottom remains in the air during this transition.

  5. Catching and pushing up with your hands

    As soon as you arrive on the other shoulder, quickly place your hands back on the floor. Push yourself up to return to the starting position of the freeze.

The most important do's and don'ts for the Windmill

Like this

  • Keep your legs fully extended and spread throughout the entire rotation
  • Round your upper back to roll smoothly over your shoulder blades
  • Use your hands actively to push your upper body away from the floor

Don't do this

  • Bend your legs or bring them close together, which stops your momentum
  • Fall flat on your tailbone or directly on your spine
  • Keep your arms passive at your sides and neglect the support work

Your checklist for windmill training

Before training

Preparation

During the movement

Meanwhile

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Your legs must remain spread as wide as possible throughout the entire rotation. As soon as you bend your knees or close your legs, you lose momentum and collide with the floor.

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