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.

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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

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.

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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!

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