Beginner BMX Tricks You Should Learn First

If you are new to BMX or you just picked up your first bike for real this season, you are in the right place. FatTonyBMX is all about the BMX lifestyle, from gear and maintenance to the real world tricks you can actually learn without turning your session into a wipeout story. The path from your first ride to solid beginner tricks is all about safe progression, consistent practice, and keeping the vibes positive. In this guide, we break down the essential tricks every beginner should learn first, plus a practical plan to build confidence and control on your bike.

Why Start with the Right Tricks

BMX is a sport of momentum, balance, timing, and confidence. Starting with the right tricks matters because:

• It builds a solid foundation. Each trick teaches core skills that support more advanced moves later on.
• It keeps you safe. Progressive steps reduce the risk of crashes and injuries.
• It creates momentum. Small wins drive motivation and keep you coming back for more sessions.
• It translates to real world riding. Basics like balance, body position, and consistent pedaling translate to park sessions, street rides, and trail days.

Below is a practical progression designed for riders who want to feel in control from day one. You’ll see a mix of balance, basic manuals, and simple flat ground spins that set you up for more complex tricks once you are comfortable.

The Core Progression: 6 Beginner Tricks to Master First

Here are six beginner friendly tricks that lay the groundwork for a confident BMX journey. Each trick includes setup, step by step instructions, common mistakes, and safe progressions.

1. Bunny Hop

A bunny hop is the foundational move that lets you clear small obstacles and sets you up for more complex aerial tricks.

• Setup and stance
• Stand with your feet roughly shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent.
• Look straight ahead, not at the ground, and keep your chest over the bars.
• Roll at a steady pace on a smooth surface; find a calm area with a flat or gentle obstacle.
• How to practice
  1) Compress by bending the knees and hips while keeping your shoulders square.
  2) Snap the front end up with a quick pull on the handlebars as you push off the pedals.
  3) Level the bike mid air by lifting your legs and guiding the rear wheel up.
  4) Land softly on both wheels with knees bent to absorb impact.
  5) Roll away cleanly and ride away.
• Common mistakes and fixes
• Nose dives or lands heavy on the front wheel: shift weight back slightly and practice smaller hops first.
• Feet sliding off pedals in the air: make sure your feet stay planted and practice single hops on a flat surface.
• Progressions and drills
• Start with tiny hops over a line on the ground, then move to a low curb or a small rail.
• Increase height gradually while maintaining control.
• Add a light manual or small wheel lift after the land to build coordination.

2. Track Stand

The track stand builds pure balance, control, and anticipation on your bike.

• Setup and stance
• Stop riding and come to a stop with your front foot slightly angled and your rear foot ready to balance.
• Your hands should be relaxed on the bars, elbows slightly bent.
• How to practice
  1) Begin rolling at a very slow speed.
  2) Place more weight on the inside of the back pedal as you shift balance to the rear wheel.
  3) Bring your front wheel slightly off the ground and hold the position without moving.
  4) Practice small shifts to maintain balance for longer periods.
• Common mistakes and fixes
• Rolling backward or forward: micro adjust your weight between the pedals and keep your chest over the handlebars.
• Losing grip on the bars: keep a light but steady grip and avoid gripping too hard.
• Progressions and drills
• Hold a track stand for 5 seconds, then 10 seconds, gradually increasing the target time.
• Practice one handed track stands for balance confidence when you need it on real sessions.

3. Manual

The manual is a controlled balance trick that keeps the front wheel up with minimal weight on the front. It creates the basis for longer balance runs and a future wheelie game.

• Setup and stance
• Roll along at a comfortable speed in a relaxed neutral stance.
• Start by shifting your weight to the rear wheel without pedaling.
• How to practice
  1) Roll a few feet, then push your hips back and slightly lift the front wheel.
  2) Keep your arms mostly straight and your eyes forward.
  3) Stay balanced by small micro-adjustments with your hips and shoulders.
  4) Return the front wheel to the ground by leaning slightly forward and bending the knees.
• Common mistakes and fixes
• Front wheel too high or tipping backward: slightly lower the hips and focus on small weight shifts.
• Wobbling: improve your body position and keep the rear wheel engaged with a light pedaling motion if you prefer a longer manual.
• Progressions and drills
• Start with short manuals of 3–5 feet, then build to longer runs.
• Try a manual into a gentle straight line or a straight line into a track stand to sharpen transitions.

4. Fakie

Riding backward on your BMX teaches you control and prepares you for grinds, manuals, and other tricks that demand rearward stability.

• Setup and stance
• Roll forward at a smooth pace, then slowly shift into a fakie stance with your pedals level.
• Keep your eyes looking in the direction you are riding and stay relaxed.
• How to practice
  1) Roll forward a bit and then gently back into the fakie stance.
  2) Practice small fakie shuffles with your feet controlling pedal position.
  3) Gradually increase your speed while staying stable.
• Common mistakes and fixes
• Wobbling to the sides: tighten your core and keep your shoulders aligned with the direction of motion.
• Losing control at higher speeds: slow down and reestablish balance before pushing further.
• Progressions and drills
• Do short fakie runs on flat ground, then try small fakie transitions at a low obstacle or ramp.

5. Shove It (Shuvit)

Shove it is a flat ground trick that spins the bike around 180 degrees without lifting the front or back wheel in height, relying on body rotation and foot movement rather than dramatic jumps.

• Setup and stance
• Feet roughly shoulder width apart; your dominant foot slight forward.
• Keep your eyes on the landing area and stay relaxed.
• How to practice
  1) Roll forward at a steady pace.
  2) Twist your hips and shoulders in the direction you want to spin.
  3) Allow the back end to slide and complete the 180 degree spin.
  4) Land with your feet back on the pedals and roll away.
• Common mistakes and fixes
• Not completing the rotation: make sure to rotate your hips and torso consistently in the direction of the spin.
• Landing off balance: spot your landing and keep your weight centered over the pedals.
• Progressions and drills
• Start with a small 90 degree rotation, then progress to a full 180 once you are landing consistently.
• Add a gentle manual or track stand after the spin to practice transitions.

6. Bunny Hop to 180

A natural follow up to a bunny hop is adding a 180 rotation in the air, giving you a more dynamic ride and opening doors to park and street lines.

• Setup and stance
• Begin with a solid bunny hop as your base.
• Keep your eyes on the target landing, and your body compact during the hop.
• How to practice
  1) After a confident bunny hop, initiate a small 180 by turning your head and shoulders in the direction of the spin just as you leave the ground.
  2) Level the bike in the air and look toward the landing.
  3) Land with both wheels and roll away smoothly.
• Common mistakes and fixes
• Not rotating enough: exaggerate the shoulder and hip twist a bit more, but stay smooth.
• Landing crooked: aim for a square landing by keeping your head and eyes aligned with the landing area.
• Progressions and drills
• Do bunny hops with small 180s, then gradually increase the rotation angle as your balance improves.
• Practice on flat ground before attempting on a small obstacle.

Build a Training Plan: A 6 Week Starter Schedule

A structured plan helps you stay consistent and track progress. Here is a practical 6 week plan you can adapt to your local spots.

• Week 1: Safety and fundamentals
• Gear check: helmet, knee pads, gloves
• Bike fit: saddle height and bar reach
• Flat ground balance drills: track stands, weight shifts, and posture
• Week 2: Bunny Hop basics
• 5–10 minutes of flat ground bunny hops
• Set small obstacle practice: a line of chalk or tape
• Focus on timing and soft landings
• Week 3: Track Stand and Fakie
• 2–3 track stand holds per session
• Short fakie runs with a slow pace
• Wall drills to simulate backward balance
• Week 4: Manual basics
• 10–15 minute manual practice
• Short distance balance runs
• Add in gentle hill or slope drills if available
• Week 5: Shove It basics
• 5–8 reps of 90 degree shuvits, then 180s
• Focus on rotation and controlled landings
• Combine with bunny hops for flow
• Week 6: Combine and Level Up
• Practice bunny hop to 180 on low obstacles
• Integrate 2 tricks in a row (bunny hop, shove it, or fakie)
• Set personal goals and record progress to compare next month

Tips for staying on track
– Set a 20 to 30 minute practice window and keep sessions focused.
– Use a simple checklist for each session to track what you nailed and what needs work.
– Record a few short videos from different angles to see where your balance and timing need work.

Drills and Drills Library: Building Balance, Control, and Confidence

In addition to the core tricks, a small set of drills can dramatically improve your control on the bike.

• Balance drills
• Track stands with eyes closed for short durations
• Slow wheel walking along a line to improve micro balance
• Pedal and weight distribution drills
• Practice shifting weight between the pedals while coasting
• Do small hops and hold landing for a moment to feel how weight shifts
• Braking and control
• Practice gradual braking to avoid skidding
• Learn two finger braking and smooth releases
• Surface adaptation
• Start on smooth pavement, then try on slightly rough ground to simulate real world
• Build confidence on gentle ramps or small curbs
• Visual and mental drills
• Keep your head up and look where you want to go
• Develop a pre-ride checklist to ensure you are mentally ready

Safety First: Gear, Environment, and Bike Setup

Safety is the backbone of every beginner session. Here are practical tips to keep you protected and ready to ride.

• Gear you should always wear
• Certified BMX helmet
• Knee and elbow pads
• Gloves and sturdy shoes
• Environment basics
• Bike setup quick checks
• Tire pressure: appropriate for your weight and surface
• Brakes: front and rear brakes should function smoothly
• Chain and drivetrain: clean, lubricant as needed
• Pedals and crank: check for tightness and smooth rotation
• Do not skip safety
• Start in a controlled environment away from traffic or crowds
• Lay out a small practice area with a clear escape route and plenty of space

How to Level Up After Mastering the Basics

Once you can handle the six beginner tricks with reasonable consistency, you have a solid platform to grow. Here are ways to keep progressing:

• Add new variations
• Bunny Hop to 180 in quarter pipes or small ramps
• Manual into a small wheelie or a gentle hop
• Integrate into lines
• Create small trick sequences that you can ride through in a line
• Focus on clean transitions and flow rather than raw height
• Try different environments
• Practice in a park with rails and flat ledges, but stay within your comfort
• Try street sessions with small obstacles to test your skills
• Seek feedback
• Have a friend or coach watch your form
• Film your runs and watch for body alignment and landing

Maintenance and Bike Prep for Continuous Progress

A well-maintained bike keeps your sessions safer and more enjoyable.

• Pre-ride checks
• Check tire pressure and tread condition
• Ensure brakes are working and cables are not overly loose
• Check chain tension and lubrication
• Regular maintenance routine
• Clean your bike after dirt and debris
• Inspect bearings and pedals for smooth operation
• Tighten bolts, especially the stem and handlebars
• When to upgrade
• If you consistently outgrow your current setup, consider a small upgrade or a better frame for balance and control

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to hit skateparks to learn these tricks?
• Not necessarily. Start in a safe, open area with smooth ground. When you feel comfortable, you can progress to small ramps and parks as you gain confidence.
• How long will it take to learn the basics?
• It varies by person. With regular practice, many riders see solid progress within a few weeks, but real consistency takes time and patience.
• What should I do if I fall?
• Fall responsibly by checking your gear, addressing any pain, and taking time to re-evaluate your approach. Stay positive and keep practicing at a comfortable pace.
• Can I learn all six tricks at the same time?
• It is possible, but it is better to master one or two at a time. Focus on quality practice and gradually add new tricks as you gain confidence.

Final Thoughts

Starting with the right beginner tricks sets the tone for your entire BMX journey. The six tricks outlined above — Bunny Hop, Track Stand, Manual, Fakie, Shuvit, and Bunny Hop to 180 — form a solid core that builds your balance, rhythm, and confidence. Pair these tricks with a simple weekly plan, focused drills, safety routines, and a passion for practice, and you will watch your riding evolve in a matter of weeks.

FatTonyBMX is here to support your BMX lifestyle journey. From gear reviews and bike maintenance tips to technique breakdowns and real world riding advice, we aim to keep your sessions productive, safe, and fun. If you want more beginner friendly content, gear guides, and progress tracking ideas, subscribe to FatTonyBMX and follow along as you stack new skills, celebrate small wins, and keep riding with a smile.

Ready to level up your beginner tricks? Head out, stay safe, and enjoy the process. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow riders who are starting their BMX journey. We’ll be right here with more practical, real world tips in the Tips & Tricks category, helping FatTonyBMX readers ride smarter, not harder.