Why do I keep stopping during the Windmill?

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.

How do I prevent hip pain when rolling?

The pain occurs when you fall flat on your back instead of rolling over your shoulders. Keep your upper back rounded and push off actively with your hands to glide smoothly.

Do I need a lot of strength for a clean Windmill?

Yes, solid core strength and good adductor flexibility are extremely important. The more flexible your straddle is, the easier it will be for you to keep your legs in the air.

Learn the Breakdance Windmill: Step by Step

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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Spin into the next dimension with udansa

On udansa, you will find experienced instructors and suitable courses in your area that will professionally guide you on your journey to your first power move.

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.

udansa tip

It is best to wear a smooth, long-sleeved shirt or a windbreaker when training. This reduces friction on the floor significantly and makes rolling over your shoulders easier.

5 steps to your first clean windmill

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Checked support strength in handstand and freeze
Prepared hip flexibility through stretching
Selected a safe, non-slip surface

During the movement

Meanwhile

Swing leg kicked with maximum extension
Body placed on the shoulder in a controlled manner
Hands placed under the upper body in time

Frequently Asked Questions

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.