Learn BMX Tricks

Trackstand

Stand still without touching the ground. Perfect for balance, precise approach lines, and control at low speeds.

What do you need?

• Flat asphalt or a mini-slope (a driveway is ideal)
• Tire pressure appropriate to your style (street often 3.5–5 bar)
• Optional: working rear brake for emergencies

Technique step by step

1. The goal is to stand relaxed and balanced above the bike. Let the bike move beneath you.
2. Ride at walking pace and look ahead. Keep your pedals almost horizontal.
3. Make sure your strong leg is in front.
4. Angle your front wheel slightly (5–15°) to create counter pressure.
5. Use your front brake to keep from rolling away.
6. Balance with micro movements: roll very slightly forward or backward by varying the pressure of your front foot.
7. Keep your hips over the bracket, shoulders relaxed and elbows slightly bent.
8. Note: Your upper body is the heaviest part. If your shoulders fall too far to the left or right, you'll lose your balance.
9. Find your balance point so you can stand with minimal effort.

Drills

• Stop → continue: drive slowly → 2 sec track stand → continue driving
• Switch-foot: Switch your preferred foot and balance for 5 seconds and then continue.
• Small Circle: Hold your front tire in a drawn circle

Common mistakes

• Too straight handlebar: tilt it slightly for more control
• Stiff arms: relax; when you're squeezing the handlebars, you're too tense.
• Look down: focus 1–2 meters ahead

Tip: Breathe calmly, count 3 to 5 to 10 seconds of stillness. Feeling like you're falling? Continue riding calmly without putting your feet down.

Manual

Want to nail tight, long manuals without panicking? First, learn to dismount safely, then establish your balance. Rick Koekoek and I will show you how to master this.

What do you need?

• Flat surface or slightly sloping line
• Good tire pressure (3.5–5 bar for street; slightly higher for park)
• Optional: rear brake to correct balance point

Technique step by step

1. Building confidence: Move your upper body forward (core engaged, back straight, arms/knees slightly bent), then back in one smooth movement. Hop off behind the bike in a controlled manner. Goal: Know that you can always dismount safely.
2. Approach: Slowly accelerate and repeat the movement while riding. Optional: give the front wheel a light pedal kick.
3. First manual: same movement, but now you're standing. Find your balance point. Too far back? Tap the rear brake briefly to bring the front wheel back down.
4. Legs slightly bent: don't straighten fully, otherwise you'll push the front wheel back down.
5. Ideal position: ±90° posture: core tense, hips over the rear wheel, back straight, arms almost extended.
6. Common mistake: Fully extending your legs at the end → the front wheel falls back. Stay low and bent at the knees.
7. Micro corrections: subtly stretching a little or sitting deeper through your knees to keep the front wheel high.

Drills

• Stepping down backwards: practice several times in a controlled manner
• Short pieces: first 1–2 m manuals; then build up
• Brake dosing: pull the rear brake briefly to bring the front wheel back to the ground to maintain balance for longer

Common mistakes

• Too slow: without base speed it becomes unstable
• Fully extend legs: front wheel falls back down
• No core tension: loose posture = unstable

Tip: Speed is your friend. Start slowly, trust that you can always stop, and then add speed and distance.

Bunny hop

BMX How To Bunny Hop with Rick Koekoek.
A challenging technique; if you master it, many new lines will open up in park and street riding. World record holder Rick Koekoek shows how to "fly" your BMX without a ramp.

What do you need?

• A BMX with well-adjusted tires and brakes
• Flat terrain or a slight slope for practice
• Protection ( helmet andgloves recommended)

Technique step by step

1. Front wheel = height: the higher your front wheel, the higher the jump. Learn the manual first.
2. Feet remain on the pedals: toes slightly down; spring back with your arms/legs, position your upper body above the handlebars and “scoop” your feet back/up (no brake).
3. Approach: Increase your pace to slightly faster than running pace; lower yourself as if you were doing a box jump.
4. Front wheel lift: as with a manual; pull the handlebars toward your hips. Extend your body straight up.
5. Rear wheel up: Push the handlebars horizontally forward and simultaneously “scoop” your feet back (toes down); pull your knees up.
6. Landing: absorb the impact by springing with your arms and legs.

Drills

• Mini-hops: low jumps for timing
• Manual → hop: combine manual movement with a small jump
• Box jump simulation: jump on a box without a bike — translate the feeling to the bike

Common mistakes

• Front wheel too low: then the rear wheel will not follow
• Feet lose contact: keep pressure on the pedals
• Stretching too early: pushing the bike down instead of up

Tips:
– Index fingers on the brake levers help push the handlebars forward and correct.
– Practice on a slight uphill slope (a little more forward speed is required).
– Build up: first low, then higher.

Is your bike not performing as you'd like? Check your BMX maintenance for tire pressure, brakes, and chain. A well-maintained bike is easier to learn.