10 Must-Know BMX Tricks for Beginners

Mastering BMX tricks starts with building a solid foundation. Here are 10 must-know tricks to get you started, focusing on balance, control, and progression.

1. Bunny Hop

The bunny hop is the gateway to most BMX tricks. It allows you to jump over obstacles without a ramp.

• How to Do It:
  • Roll at a moderate speed.
  • Pull up on the handlebars while shifting your weight backward.
  • As the front wheel rises, push forward and lift your legs to bring the rear wheel up.
  • Level out in the air and prepare for landing.

2. Manual

A manual is a wheelie without pedaling, relying on balance and body positioning.

• How to Do It:
  • Gain a comfortable speed.
  • Lean back while pulling the handlebars gently.
  • Shift your weight over the rear wheel, using your legs for balance.
  • Keep your arms straight and adjust your body position to maintain control.

3. Fakie

Riding backward, or fakie, helps improve balance and prepares you for more advanced tricks.

• How to Do It:
  • Start on a slight incline to roll backward naturally.
  • Keep your pedals level and maintain a light grip on the handlebars.
  • Use small handlebar adjustments to steer.
  • To come out of the fakie, turn the bars and pedal forward quickly.

4. 180 Spin

The 180 spin rotates your bike and body 180 degrees while airborne.

• How to Do It:
  • Begin with a bunny hop.
  • Twist your shoulders in the direction you want to spin.
  • As you jump, let your hips and bike follow the motion.
  • Spot your landing and absorb the impact with bent knees.

5. Foot Jam

A foot jam involves stopping the front wheel abruptly using your foot, often leading into tricks like tailwhips.

• How to Do It:
  • Ride slowly.
  • Apply light pressure to the front brake.
  • Jam your foot between the front tire and fork.
  • Balance briefly before hopping out or transitioning into another trick.

6. Barspin

A barspin involves spinning the handlebars 360 degrees while in the air.

• How to Do It:
  • Start with a bunny hop.
  • Pinch the seat with your knees to stabilize.
  • Throw the bars with one hand while catching them with the other.
  • Keep your eyes forward to maintain balance.

7. Feeble Grind

A feeble grind slides along a ledge or rail using the front wheel and one peg.

• How to Do It:
  • Approach the ledge at a slight angle.
  • Bunny hop onto it, landing with your front wheel on the ledge and back peg grinding.
  • Shift your weight forward for control.
  • Hop off cleanly when reaching the end.

8. No-Footer

This trick requires taking both feet off the pedals mid-air.

• How to Do It:
  • Gain moderate speed.
  • Perform a bunny hop.
  • Kick your legs outward as you reach the peak of your jump.
  • Bring your feet back to the pedals before landing.

9. Tailwhip

A tailwhip spins the bike’s frame around the handlebars.

• How to Do It:
  • Start with a strong bunny hop.
  • Kick the frame with your back foot to initiate the spin.
  • Keep the handlebars steady.
  • Catch the frame with your feet and prepare to land.

10. Wall Ride

A wall ride involves riding your bike on a vertical or slanted wall.

• How to Do It:
  • Approach the wall at an angle.
  • Bunny hop as your front wheel reaches the wall.
  • Lean into the wall, shifting your weight slightly.
  • Ride along the wall briefly before dropping back down.

Key Tips for Progression

• Practice Regularly: Consistency improves muscle memory.
• Wear Safety Gear: Helmets, gloves, and pads are non-negotiable.
• Start Small: Master tricks on flat ground before adding ramps.
• Watch and Learn: Study other riders to understand technique.
• Stay Patient: Progress takes time; avoid rushing to prevent injuries.

Master these tricks, and you’ll build the confidence and skills needed for more advanced BMX stunts.