BEST WINDMILL TUTORIAL - HOW TO BREAKDANCE

Welcome to the ultimate guide on mastering the windmill, one of the most iconic power moves in breaking. As a seasoned breaker and coach, I’m excited to share my knowledge and experience to help you learn this impressive move efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, this comprehensive tutorial will break down the windmill into manageable steps and provide valuable insights to accelerate your progress.

The History of the Windmill

Before we dive into the mechanics of the windmill, let’s take a moment to appreciate its origins:

The windmill evolved from a move called the “backspin”
B-boy Crazy Legs from Rock Steady Crew accidentally created it
Initially called the “continuous backspin,” it later became known as the windmill

Understanding the history of breaking moves not only adds depth to your knowledge but also helps you appreciate the evolution of the dance form.

Determining Your Direction

One crucial aspect of learning the windmill (and other power moves) is determining your direction. This step is essential because:

It ensures consistency in your power moves
It allows for smoother transitions and combinations

To find your direction:

Identify which hand you use for your baby freeze or turtle freeze
If you freeze on your left hand, follow the directions in this tutorial
If you freeze on your right hand, reverse the instructions (left becomes right, and vice versa)

Tip: If you haven’t mastered the baby freeze or turtle freeze yet, it’s advisable to work on those skills first. They provide a foundation for many power moves, including the windmill.

Step 1: Creating Rotation

The first step in executing a windmill is generating the necessary rotation and momentum. Here’s how to do it:

Start in a baby freeze position
Keep your head and feet level
Begin rotating 90 to 180 degrees using your free hand
Allow your toes to slide on the floor if needed, but maintain a level body position

Remember: If you freeze on your left hand, rotate to your left. If you freeze on your right hand, rotate to your right.

Step 2: The Backspin Transition

This step is crucial for a smooth windmill and often presents challenges for beginners. Here’s how to approach it:

The windmill creates an illusion of rolling to the side, but the actual movement is different
To prevent your legs from hitting the floor, use this technique:
- Roll about 80% towards the front, ending in a shoulder roll position
- As you perform the shoulder roll, stretch and open both legs
- Fold your legs the moment your back touches the floor

Tip: This technique might feel awkward at first, but it’s an excellent way to learn how to keep your legs off the floor during the windmill.

Step 3: Returning to Baby Freeze

The final step in completing the windmill is returning to the baby freeze position. This part can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll get it down. Here’s how to do it:

From the backspin position, prepare to roll over your right shoulder (reverse for right-hand freezers)
Position your arms:
- Place your baby freeze hand in position
- Keep your other hand close to your shoulder
Slide your head to the side to create space
Let your legs guide you over your shoulder until you reach the baby freeze position

Note: This step requires some upper body strength to catch yourself in the baby freeze without letting your legs touch the floor. Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to master this part.

Coach Sambo’s Pro Tips

To help you progress faster and avoid common pitfalls, here are some valuable tips:

Practice Multiple Repetitions

Don’t stop after one windmill attempt
Aim for 5-6 continuous windmills, even if they’re not perfect
This approach helps you absorb the movement and connect the different parts of the move

Choose Appropriate Clothing

Avoid sweaty clothes or shirts with large prints
These can stick to the floor and cause friction or even burn marks
Opt for smooth, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement

Remove Accessories

Take off caps, watches, bracelets, and sunglasses
Empty your pockets of change or other items
These can get tangled or interfere with your movement

Master the Basics Before Variations

Ensure you can perform a strong, smooth windmill consistently
Only then should you start exploring variations

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

As you practice the windmill, you may encounter some common obstacles. Here’s how to address them:

Legs Hitting the Floor

Focus on the technique described in Step 2
Practice the 80% forward roll to create space for your legs
Gradually work on keeping your legs elevated throughout the move

Lack of Momentum

Spend more time on Step 1, creating a strong initial rotation
Use your free hand effectively to generate speed
Practice transitioning smoothly from the baby freeze to the backspin

Difficulty Returning to Baby Freeze

Build upper body strength through supplementary exercises
Practice the transition from backspin to baby freeze in isolation
Focus on timing your leg movement to guide you back to the freeze position

Progression and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic windmill, you can explore various progressions and variations to enhance your breaking repertoire:

Continuous windmills
Windmill to other power moves (e.g., flares, head spins)
One-handed windmills
Bellymills
Munch mills

Remember to solidify your foundation before attempting these advanced variations.

The Importance of Proper Training

As you work on your windmill, keep these training principles in mind:

Consistency is key – practice regularly to see improvement
Listen to your body and avoid overtraining
Warm up properly before each session to prevent injuries
Seek feedback from experienced breakers or coaches
Record your practice sessions to analyze your technique

Conclusion

Mastering the windmill takes time, patience, and dedication. By following this comprehensive guide and implementing the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to adding this impressive power move to your breaking arsenal. Remember to stay persistent, practice safely, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of learning and self-improvement.

As you progress in your breaking journey, don’t hesitate to seek out additional resources, join a local breaking community, or even consider taking classes from experienced instructors. The breaking world is full of knowledge and inspiration, so stay curious and keep pushing your limits.

Now it’s time to hit the floor and start working on your windmill. Stay motivated, stay focused, and before you know it, you’ll be spinning with the best of them. Keep breaking, and never stop learning!