NO HANDED WINDMILL TIP IN 2 MINUTES (power moves)

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a dynamic and expressive form of street dance that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Among the many impressive moves in a b-boy or b-girl’s arsenal, the no-handed windmill stands out as a jaw-dropping power move that combines strength, momentum, and finesse. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the no-handed windmill, also known as the Vera Mill, and provide you with the essential tips to master this advanced technique.

Understanding the No-Handed Windmill

Before diving into the specifics of the no-handed windmill, it’s crucial to understand what this move entails and its place in breaking culture.

What is a No-Handed Windmill?

The no-handed windmill is an advanced variation of the classic windmill move. In a standard windmill, the dancer rotates their body in a circular motion on the floor, using their hands for support and momentum. The no-handed version elevates this move by removing the reliance on hands, creating a stunning visual effect as the dancer appears to spin effortlessly without visible support.

Prerequisites

Before attempting the no-handed windmill, ensure you have:

Mastered the regular windmill
Developed core strength and flexibility
Practiced basic freeze positions
Warmed up thoroughly to prevent injuries

Key Components of the No-Handed Windmill

To execute this move successfully, you’ll need to focus on three main elements:

Head control
Leg power
Body form

Let’s break down each of these components in detail.

1. Head Control

Your head plays a crucial role in the no-handed windmill. As you collapse onto your back, you’ll use your head to assist your body upward. This creates the necessary space to punch your arms through and continue the rotation.

Tips for Head Control:

Keep your neck muscles engaged
Use your head as a pivot point
Practice head spins to build neck strength and control

2. Leg Power

The power generated by your legs is what drives the no-handed windmill. As you collapse to your back, you’ll be kicking your right leg and bringing both legs open towards your body. This motion creates the bounce needed to get over your windmill.

Tips for Leg Power:

Focus on explosive leg movements
Keep your legs straight during the kick
Practice leg stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion

3. Body Form

Maintaining proper body form throughout the move is essential for a smooth and injury-free execution. As you rotate, your body should remain compact yet fluid.

Tips for Body Form:

Keep your core engaged throughout the move
Maintain a slight curve in your back
Practice rolling exercises to improve your body awareness on the floor

Step-by-Step Guide to the No-Handed Windmill

Now that we’ve covered the key components, let’s break down the no-handed windmill into manageable steps.

Step 1: The Set-up

Begin in a windmill position
As you collapse to your back, prepare to kick your right leg

Step 2: The Kick

Kick your right leg forcefully
Simultaneously bring both legs open towards your body

Step 3: The Rotation

Use the momentum from your leg kick to initiate the rotation
Keep your body compact as you spin

Step 4: Head Assist

As you rotate onto your back, use your head to lift your body slightly
This creates space for your arms to punch through

Step 5: The Punch

Quickly punch your arms through the space created by your head lift
This action helps maintain your spinning momentum

Step 6: Repeat

Continue the motion, maintaining speed and form
Each rotation should flow smoothly into the next

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced breakers can struggle with the no-handed windmill. Here are three common mistakes and how to correct them:

1. Insufficient Leg Power

Problem: Not kicking hard enough, resulting in rolling on the forearm instead of completing the rotation.

Solution:

Practice explosive leg exercises
Focus on generating power from your hips and core
Visualize kicking through the move, not just initiating it

2. Closing the Legs Too Soon

Problem: Closing the legs during the kick, which reduces height and momentum.

Solution:

Keep legs open and extended during the initial rotation
Practice the leg motion separately to build muscle memory
Use a spotter to provide feedback on your leg position

3. Inconsistent Energy

Problem: Not maintaining the same energy level throughout multiple rotations.

Solution:

Start with sets of three regular windmills followed by one no-handed windmill
Gradually increase the number of no-handed rotations as you build stamina
Focus on maintaining consistent speed and power throughout the move

Tips for Progression

Mastering the no-handed windmill takes time and patience. Here are some tips to help you progress:

Build Consistency: Practice regular windmills until they become second nature. The more comfortable you are with the basic move, the easier it will be to transition to the no-handed version.
Increase Speed Gradually: Start with slower rotations and gradually build up speed as you become more comfortable with the motion.
Use Visual Cues: Watch videos of experienced breakers performing no-handed windmills. Pay attention to their body positioning, leg movements, and overall flow.
Practice Safe Spotting: When first attempting the move, have an experienced dancer spot you to prevent injuries and provide immediate feedback.
Focus on Form: Remember that good form equals fewer injuries. Always prioritize proper technique over speed or number of rotations.
Personalize Your Approach: Everyone has different body types and strengths. Experiment with slight variations to find what works best for you.

Incorporating No-Handed Windmills into Your Sets

Once you’ve mastered the no-handed windmill, you’ll want to seamlessly incorporate it into your breaking routines. Here are some ideas:

Combo Transitions: Use the no-handed windmill as a transition between other power moves or freezes.
Build-up Sequences: Start with regular windmills, transition to no-handed, and then move into more complex variations.
Endurance Runs: Challenge yourself to perform multiple no-handed windmills in succession, building stamina and impressing crowds.
Creative Entries and Exits: Experiment with unique ways to enter and exit the no-handed windmill, making it truly your own.

Conclusion

The no-handed windmill is a testament to a breaker’s skill, strength, and creativity. While it may seem daunting at first, with consistent practice and attention to technique, you can add this impressive move to your arsenal. Remember to always prioritize safety, listen to your body, and enjoy the process of learning and growing as a dancer.

As you continue to work on your no-handed windmill, don’t forget to explore other aspects of breaking culture. The dance form is rich with history, music, and community. Engage with other breakers, attend jams, and keep pushing your boundaries. With dedication and passion, you’ll not only master the no-handed windmill but continue to evolve as a well-rounded breaker.

Keep practicing, stay inspired, and most importantly, have fun with your breaking journey. The no-handed windmill is just one of many exciting moves waiting for you to conquer. So get out there, hit the floor, and show the world what you’ve got!