7 Kick-Out Variations To Expand Your Bboy Footwork

Often, the kick-out is the simplest elements that can be the most beautiful and impactful when executed with style and creativity. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven kick-out variations that can help you expand your footwork vocabulary and add some fresh flavor to your sets.

The Importance of Kick-Outs in Breaking

Before we dive into the variations, let’s take a moment to appreciate the significance of kick-outs in breaking. Kick-outs are one of the most basic and essential footwork patterns in breaking. They serve as a foundation for many more complex moves and combinations. Mastering kick-outs and their variations can significantly enhance your overall footwork game and provide you with more options during your sets.

1. Standard Kick-Outs

Let’s start with the basics. The standard kick-out is the foundation upon which all other variations are built.

Execution:

Start in a squat position with your hands on the ground.
Kick one leg out to the side while supporting your weight on your hands and the other foot.
Bring the kicked leg back in and immediately kick out the other leg.
Continue alternating legs in a rhythmic pattern.

Tips:

Keep your upper body low and stable.
Maintain a steady rhythm.
Use your core to control the movement.

2. Pyramid Kick-Outs

The pyramid variation adds a new dimension to your kick-outs by incorporating different levels.

Execution:

Start with standard kick-outs.
Gradually increase the height of your kicks with each repetition.
Once you reach the highest point, start decreasing the height back down.

Tips:

Control your ascent and descent to create a smooth pyramid shape.
Maintain your rhythm throughout the variation.
Use this variation to build momentum or as a transition between other moves.

3. High Kick-Outs

High kick-outs showcase your flexibility and control while adding a dynamic element to your footwork.

Execution:

Perform kick-outs as usual, but extend your leg higher, aiming to bring your foot above hip level.
Keep your supporting leg bent for balance.
Alternate between high kicks on both sides.

Tips:

Stretch regularly to improve your flexibility for higher kicks.
Keep your upper body low to maintain balance.
Use high kick-outs sparingly for maximum impact in your sets.

4. Toe Grab Kick-Outs

This variation adds a touch of finesse and control to your kick-outs.

Execution:

As you kick out, reach forward with the opposite hand.
Grab your toe or the front of your foot at the peak of the kick.
Release and bring your leg back in, then repeat on the other side.

Tips:

Time your grab to coincide with the peak of your kick.
Keep your movements fluid and continuous.
Practice your flexibility to make the toe grab easier.

5. Flying Scorpion

The flying scorpion adds an acrobatic flair to your kick-outs, incorporating elements of freezes into your footwork.

Execution:

Start with a standard kick-out.
As you kick out one leg, lift your opposite arm off the ground.
Balance on one hand and one foot, creating a “scorpion” shape with your body.
Hold briefly, then return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

Tips:

Build up strength in your supporting arm and core.
Start with small lifts and gradually increase your range of motion.
Focus on control and balance rather than speed.

6. Figure 4 Kick-Outs

This variation incorporates a classic breaking freeze position into your footwork sequence.

Execution:

Begin with a standard kick-out.
As you kick out one leg, bring your other leg up and cross it over the extended leg, forming a “4” shape.
Hold the position briefly, then uncross and return to the starting position.
Repeat on the other side.

Tips:

Practice the figure 4 freeze separately to get comfortable with the position.
Keep your movements smooth and controlled.
Experiment with how long you hold the figure 4 position within your footwork.

7. Side Jump Kick-Outs

This dynamic variation adds lateral movement to your kick-outs, expanding your use of space.

Execution:

Start with a standard kick-out.
As you bring your leg back in, use the momentum to push off and jump to the side.
Land in a squat position and immediately go into another kick-out.
Continue moving sideways with each repetition.

Tips:

Keep your jumps low and controlled.
Use your arms to help with balance and momentum.
Practice moving in both directions to increase your versatility.

Incorporating Kick-Out Variations into Your Sets

Now that we’ve explored these seven kick-out variations, let’s discuss how to effectively incorporate them into your breaking:

1. Master the Basics First

Before attempting these variations, ensure you have a solid grasp of standard kick-outs. The better your foundation, the easier it will be to add complexity.

2. Practice Transitions

Work on smooth transitions between different kick-out variations. This will allow you to flow seamlessly from one variation to another during your sets.

3. Combine with Other Footwork

Don’t limit yourself to just kick-outs. Experiment with combining these variations with other footwork patterns to create unique sequences.

4. Use Variations as Accents

You don’t need to do an entire set of complex variations. Sometimes, throwing in a single high kick-out or flying scorpion can add just the right amount of flair to your footwork.

5. Develop Your Own Style

These seven variations are just the beginning. Use them as inspiration to create your own unique kick-out variations that reflect your personal style.

6. Practice Musicality

Work on executing these variations to different types of music. This will help you develop better musicality and adaptability in your breaking.

7. Build Endurance

Some of these variations, like the high kick-outs and flying scorpion, require more energy and strength. Incorporate conditioning exercises into your training to build the necessary endurance.

The Power of Simplicity in Breaking

As we explore these variations, it’s important to remember the opening statement: “The simplest things can be most beautiful.” In breaking, as in many art forms, there’s a tendency to always seek out the most complex and difficult moves. However, true mastery often lies in the ability to make even the simplest moves look fresh and exciting.

By focusing on these kick-out variations, you’re not just expanding your vocabulary of moves, but you’re also developing a deeper understanding of how to manipulate and stylize basic movements. This skill will serve you well across all aspects of your breaking.

Conclusion

Kick-outs may seem simple at first glance, but as we’ve seen, there’s a world of possibilities within this fundamental move. By exploring these seven variations – standard kick-outs, pyramid, high kick-outs, toe grab kick-outs, flying scorpion, figure 4, and side jump – you can significantly expand your footwork repertoire.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to learn these variations by rote, but to use them as a springboard for your own creativity. Experiment with these moves, combine them in unique ways, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them. Over time, you may develop variations that are so unique to your style that you can truly call them your own.

Breaking is all about personal expression, and footwork is one of the most direct ways to showcase your individuality as a b-boy or b-girl. So take these variations, practice them, make them your own, and most importantly, have fun with them. After all, the joy and freedom of expression is what breaking is all about.

Keep practicing, stay creative, and never stop pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with even the simplest moves. Your footwork game will thank you for it!