Head Coin Drop | Intermediate Breaking Tutorial

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is an exhilarating dance form that combines athleticism, creativity, and rhythm. One of the most visually impressive moves in a b-boy or b-girl’s arsenal is the coin drop. Today, we’ll be focusing on a stepping stone towards mastering this advanced move: the head coin drop. This intermediate-level tutorial will guide you through the process of learning and perfecting this dynamic technique.

Introduction to the Head Coin Drop

The head coin drop is an exciting move that serves as a precursor to the more advanced no-handed coin drop. It’s a safer and less intimidating variation that allows dancers to become comfortable with the mechanics of the movement before progressing to the full coin drop.

Why Learn the Head Coin Drop?

Builds confidence for more advanced moves
Improves body control and spatial awareness
Enhances your breaking repertoire
Serves as a foundation for power moves like windmills

Prerequisites

Before diving into the head coin drop, it’s beneficial to have some foundational skills:

Back spin to feet: The ability to kick in a circle and lift yourself to your feet from a back spin position.
Windmill basics: While not essential, familiarity with windmills can make learning the head coin drop easier.

These skills complement each other, and mastering the head coin drop can also aid in learning windmills.

Preparation

Safety First

To make your practice sessions more comfortable and reduce the risk of injury, consider wearing a beanie. This simple addition can make a significant difference when you’re repeatedly on your head during practice.

Warm-Up

Begin your training session with a proper warm-up:

Stretch your neck, shoulders, and back
Practice basic back spins and kicks
Perform some light cardio to get your blood flowing

Breaking Down the Head Coin Drop

Let’s break this move into manageable steps to help you progress safely and effectively.

Step 1: From Head to Back

The first crucial skill to master is transitioning from your head to your back smoothly.

Start in a head bridge position
Practice swinging your arms: • If you use your left hand for windmill steps, swing your left arm underneath • If you use your right hand, swing your right arm underneath
Let your other arm naturally follow the lead arm
Allow your legs to come around as you fall to your back

Practice this motion slowly and deliberately until you feel comfortable with the arm swing and the controlled fall to your back.

Step 2: The One-Leg Practice

To build confidence and break the ice, practice the motion with one leg at a time:

Begin in the head bridge position
Swing your arms as practiced in Step 1
Keep one leg (e.g., your right leg) on the floor
Let your other leg (left leg) follow the motion of your arms

Repeat this exercise several times, alternating legs if desired. This step helps you get accustomed to the feeling of movement without the full commitment of both legs leaving the ground.

Step 3: The Jump

Now it’s time to incorporate the jump, which is a key element of the head coin drop:

Start in the head bridge position
Prepare to swing your arms
Jump with both legs as you initiate the arm swing
As you jump, turn your body to your back, similar to the beginning of a windmill

The timing here is crucial – the jump and the swing should happen almost simultaneously. Practice this step slowly, focusing on the coordination between your arms and legs.

Step 4: Landing on Your Back

As you perform the jump and swing, focus on landing smoothly on your back:

Keep your legs relatively straight during the jump
Allow your body to roll onto your upper back
Use the momentum to guide you into a potential windmill position

At this stage, don’t worry about getting back to your feet. Concentrate on achieving a controlled landing on your back.

Step 5: Returning to Your Feet

Once you’re comfortable with the jump and back landing, it’s time to work on returning to your feet:

Perform the head coin drop as practiced in steps 3 and 4
As you land on your back, use the momentum to continue the circular motion
Kick your legs around, similar to the back spin to feet technique
Push with your hands to assist in lifting your body
Land on your feet in a squatting position

This step requires significant core strength and control. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to master – consistent practice is key.

Step 6: Hands-Free Head Coin Drop

The final challenge is performing the head coin drop without using your hands to push off the ground:

Execute the head coin drop as before
Instead of using your hands to push, rely solely on the momentum generated by your initial jump and the circular motion of your legs
Focus on explosive power from your core and legs to lift yourself to your feet

This variation demands excellent timing, core strength, and body control. It may take considerable practice to achieve consistently.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any complex breaking move, there are several common pitfalls to watch out for:

Insufficient arm swing: The arm swing is crucial for generating momentum. Make sure you’re swinging your arms fully and with purpose.
Weak jump: A weak or hesitant jump will make it difficult to generate the necessary power. Commit to the jump and really push off the ground.
Landing on the shoulder: Aim to land on your upper back rather than your shoulder to avoid injury and maintain smooth motion.
Losing form mid-move: Try to keep your body tight and your legs relatively straight throughout the movement.
Rushing the process: Take your time to master each step before moving on to the next. Patience and consistent practice are key to success.

Progressing Your Head Coin Drop

Once you’ve got the basics down, here are some ways to challenge yourself and improve your head coin drop:

Increase speed: Gradually perform the move faster as you become more comfortable.
Link to other moves: Try connecting your head coin drop to other breaking moves like windmills or flares.
Practice variations: Experiment with different leg positions or adding a twist as you return to your feet.
Work on consistency: Aim to perform multiple head coin drops in succession.

Training Tips

To make the most of your practice sessions:

Use a soft surface: Practice on a smooth, padded surface to reduce impact and prevent injuries.
Film yourself: Recording your practice can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
Break it down: If you’re struggling with the full move, return to earlier steps and perfect each component.
Strengthen your core: Incorporate core-strengthening exercises into your routine to improve your overall performance.
Stay hydrated and take breaks: Listen to your body and don’t overexert yourself.

Safety Considerations

While the head coin drop is safer than a full coin drop, it still involves some risk. Keep these safety tips in mind:

Always warm up properly before practicing.
If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop immediately and rest.
Consider working with a spotter or experienced breaker when first attempting the move.
Progress at your own pace – don’t rush into advanced variations before you’re ready.

Conclusion

The head coin drop is an impressive and dynamic breaking move that serves as an excellent stepping stone to more advanced techniques. By breaking down the movement into manageable steps and practicing consistently, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this exciting element of breaking.

Remember, the key to success is patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail the move right away – every breaker has been through the learning process. Take your time, focus on proper form, and most importantly, have fun with it!

As you continue to practice and perfect your head coin drop, you’ll not only improve this specific move but also enhance your overall breaking skills. The body control, timing, and power you develop will translate to other aspects of your dancing.

So, get out there, start practicing, and don’t be afraid to get creative once you’ve got the basics down. Breaking is all about personal style and expression, so use the head coin drop as a foundation to develop your unique flair.

Keep pushing your limits, stay dedicated to your craft, and before you know it, you’ll be turning heads with your smooth head coin drops. Happy breaking!