How to Swipe - 3 Swipe Mistakes & How To Correct Them

Breaking, also known as b-boying or breakdancing, is a dynamic and expressive dance form that has captivated audiences worldwide. Among the various power moves in breaking, the swipe stands out as a fundamental yet impressive technique. However, mastering the swipe requires more than just raw talent – it demands precise execution and a deep understanding of body mechanics.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore three common swipe mistakes that many b-boys and b-girls encounter, and provide detailed solutions to help you elevate your swipe game. Whether you’re a beginner looking to polish your technique or an experienced breaker aiming to refine your skills, this tutorial will offer valuable insights to take your swipes to the next level.

The Importance of Proper Swipe Technique

Before diving into the specific mistakes and corrections, it’s crucial to understand why proper technique is so vital in executing swipes. A well-executed swipe not only looks visually appealing but also:

Increases your efficiency and power
Reduces the risk of injury
Improves your overall flow and transitions
Sets a strong foundation for more advanced variations

By addressing these common mistakes, you’ll be able to transform your swipes from basic moves to eye-catching, dynamic elements of your breaking repertoire.

Mistake #1: Overcompensation When Throwing

One of the most prevalent issues beginners face when learning the swipe is overcompensation during the initial throw. This mistake can lead to a loss of control and make it difficult to maintain a smooth, circular motion throughout the move.

The Problem:

When executing a swipe, many novice breakers tend to throw their body too far or with too much force. This overcompensation often results in:

Loss of balance
Difficulty in maintaining a consistent rhythm
Reduced control over the movement
Inability to connect smoothly with other moves

The Solution:

To correct this mistake, focus on the following key points:

Maintain a Locked Axis: • Keep your shoulders in a straight line throughout the movement • Imagine a pole running through your body from head to toe • This locked axis will help you maintain control and prevent overrotation
Shoulder-Width Landing: • When catching and landing, ensure your hands are shoulder-width apart • This position provides stability and sets you up for a smooth continuation of the move
Follow Your Leading Hand: • For clockwise swipes, always keep your eyes on your left hand as you throw • This visual focus will help guide your body through the correct path of motion

Exercise to Improve:

Practice the following drill to reinforce proper throwing technique:

Start in a push-up position
Slowly shift your weight to one side, lifting the opposite hand
Rotate your body while keeping your eyes on the lifted hand
Land back in the starting position
Repeat on both sides, gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable

By practicing this exercise regularly, you’ll develop a better sense of control and body awareness during the throwing phase of your swipe.

Mistake #2: Linear Motion Instead of Circular

Another common error many breakers make is moving in a straight line rather than following a circular path during their swipes. This linear motion not only looks less fluid but also limits your ability to generate power and maintain momentum.

The Problem:

When performers execute swipes in a straight line, they often encounter these issues:

Lack of flow and continuity
Difficulty in connecting multiple swipes
Reduced power and speed
Limited options for transitions into other moves

The Solution:

To achieve a proper circular motion in your swipes, focus on these key aspects:

Master Hand Placement: • When catching, position your right hand (or master hand) at the “12 to 3 o’clock” position relative to your left hand • This placement brings your center of gravity (CG) closer to your supporting hand, allowing for better rotation
Visualize the Circle: • Imagine tracing a perfect circle with your body as you swipe • Keep this circular path in mind throughout the entire movement
Use Your Core: • Engage your core muscles to help guide your body through the circular motion • A strong core will provide better control and smoother rotations

Exercise to Improve:

Try this drill to develop a better sense of circular motion:

Start in a push-up position
Shift your weight to one hand and begin to rotate your body
Focus on tracing a circle with your feet as you rotate
Complete a full rotation, landing back in the starting position
Repeat on both sides, gradually increasing speed and fluidity

Regular practice of this exercise will help ingrain the circular motion into your muscle memory, making it more natural when performing actual swipes.

Mistake #3: Unstable Landing

The final common mistake we’ll address is the inability to land stably after completing a swipe. A wobbly or uncontrolled landing not only looks sloppy but also prevents you from smoothly transitioning into your next move.

The Problem:

Unstable landings in swipes often result from:

Landing on the side of the foot instead of the full foot
Not achieving a 90-degree angle with the landing leg
Lack of mental focus on the landing phase

These issues can lead to:

Loss of balance
Difficulty in continuing into another move
Increased risk of injury
Inconsistent performance

The Solution:

To achieve a stable landing in your swipes, concentrate on these key points:

90-Degree Landing Leg: • As you complete your swipe, aim to land with your leg at a 90-degree angle • This position provides maximum stability and control
Full Foot Contact: • Land on the entire surface of your foot, not just the side or heel • Distribute your weight evenly across your foot for better balance
Mental Focus: • Consciously think about your landing as you execute the swipe • Visualize planting your foot firmly and deliberately, as if taking a step down stairs

Exercise to Improve:

Practice this drill to enhance your landing stability:

Start in a low squat position
Jump and rotate 360 degrees in the air
Focus on landing with your feet flat and legs at 90 degrees
Hold the landing position for a moment to check your stability
Repeat, alternating rotation directions

By incorporating this exercise into your training routine, you’ll develop better awareness and control of your landings, which will translate directly to more stable swipe executions.

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve addressed these three common swipe mistakes, it’s time to integrate all the corrections into your practice. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to execute a clean, powerful swipe:

Start in a stable push-up position
Shift your weight slightly to prepare for the throw
Initiate the throw, keeping your eyes on your leading hand
Maintain a locked axis through your body as you rotate
Follow a circular path with your legs and hips
Place your master hand in the “12 to 3 o’clock” position when catching
Land with your leg at a 90-degree angle and full foot contact
Stabilize your position, ready to transition into your next move

Remember, mastering the swipe takes time and consistent practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results – focus on making small improvements each session, and you’ll gradually develop cleaner, more impressive swipes.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Swipe Variations

Once you’ve corrected these common mistakes and developed a solid foundation for your swipes, you can start exploring more advanced variations. Some popular swipe variations include:

Double swipes
Continuous swipes
Hand-hops into swipes
Swipe variations (e.g., elbow swipes, head swipes)
Combinations with other power moves (e.g., swipe to windmill, swipe to flare)

As you progress, always remember to apply the fundamental principles of proper technique to these more complex movements. The same concepts of body control, circular motion, and stable landings will be crucial in executing advanced variations successfully.

Conclusion

Mastering the swipe is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and attention to detail. By addressing these three common mistakes – overcompensation when throwing, linear motion instead of circular, and unstable landings – you’ll be well on your way to elevating your swipe game and impressing both fellow breakers and audiences alike.

Remember to practice regularly, focusing on one aspect at a time until it becomes second nature. Don’t be afraid to film yourself and analyze your technique, or seek feedback from more experienced breakers. With consistent effort and a mindful approach to your training, you’ll see significant improvements in your swipes and overall breaking skills.

Keep pushing your limits, stay creative, and most importantly, enjoy the process of growth and self-expression that breaking offers. Your journey to mastering the swipe is just one step in the incredible world of breaking – embrace the challenges, celebrate your progress, and keep dancing!