In the 1970s Bronx, crews battled for park territory through increasingly athletic floorwork. Today's intermediate breakers inherit that competitive spirit—whether you're preparing for your first jam or refining your power move foundation. These ten moves separate dedicated practitioners from casual hobbyists. None come easily, but each builds physical intelligence that transforms how you occupy space.
This guide assumes you've mastered foundational toprocks, footwork patterns, and basic freezes. Each move below includes prerequisites, safety considerations, and pro tips from experienced practitioners.
Power Moves
Windmill
Launch from a standing position or backspin, driving momentum from your shoulder and upper back—not your flat back. Your legs trace wide, circular arcs through the air like helicopter blades, powered by continuous scissoring motion and strategic hand pushes.
Prerequisites: Solid backspin, shoulder freeze (10+ seconds), core strength for leg control.
Common pitfall: Collapsing onto your lower back kills momentum. Keep weight distributed across your upper back and active shoulder.
Pro tip: Film yourself from above—your legs should form a consistent 90-degree angle or wider throughout rotation.
1990
Press into a one-handed handstand, then generate horizontal rotation around your supporting hand as the central axis. Unlike static freezes, this move demands continuous momentum through subtle weight shifts and controlled leg pumping.
Prerequisites: One-handed handstand hold (minimum 5 seconds), strong wrist conditioning, ability to bail safely.
Common pitfall: Leaning too far over your hand causes collapse; maintain a slight lean away from your support arm.
Pro tip: Start with quarter rotations, landing on both feet. Build to half-rotations before attempting full 360s.
Headspin
⚠️ Safety warning: Always wear a thick beanie or specialized headspin cap. Practice only on smooth, clean surfaces. Never train through neck pain.
Your head becomes the central pivot while hands assist balance and momentum generation. Your body forms a loose V-shape rather than a perfect horizontal line. Begin with 1-2 controlled rotations, building neck strength gradually—rushing causes chronic compression injuries.
Prerequisites: Solid headstand (30+ seconds), neck and shoulder conditioning, proper protective gear.
Common pitfall: Looking up strains your neck; keep gaze relaxed toward the floor, crown of head centered.
Pro tip: Mark your starting position with tape. Consistent entry angle builds muscle memory faster than random attempts.
Airflare
Explode upward from a handstand position, legs scissoring through alternating horizontal planes while your body travels in a circular path. Unlike grounded moves, airflares require brief airborne phases between hand placements.
Prerequisites: Handstand walk, swipe proficiency, explosive hip flexor strength.
Common pitfall: Insufficient leg extension reduces rotation power; fully extend each leg at the peak of its arc.
Pro tip: Practice "baby flares" with bent arms first—full extension demands significant shoulder and core integration.
Flare
Derived from gymnastic circles on the pommel horse, breakdancing flares demand continuous circular momentum on your hands. Your legs split wide, tracing enormous arcs while your body rotates around a central axis without touching the floor.
Prerequisites: Handstand press, straddle flexibility, shoulder endurance.
Common pitfall: Dropping your hips breaks the circular path; imagine your waist passing through a hula hoop at consistent height.
Pro tip: Train on grass or sprung floors initially—the impact on concrete destroys motivation and wrists.
Transitions and Glides
Hollowback
Once you've held a shoulder freeze for 10 seconds, progress to bending your spine into a dramatic backward curve while maintaining hand and foot contact with the floor. Your chest opens toward the ceiling, creating a bridge-like silhouette that demonstrates exceptional back flexibility and control.
Prerequisites: Shoulder freeze, wheel pose or bridge, wrist mobility.
Common pitfall: Collapsing into the lower back rather than distributing the curve; engage your entire spine evenly.
Pro tip: Practice against a wall first, walking your hands down as your back deepens into the curve.
Handglide
Pivot smoothly across the floor on one hand, using your free hand for subtle steering and momentum adjustments. Your legs remain tucked or extended in a controlled position, creating the illusion of frictionless movement.
Prerequisites: Turtle freeze, handstand balance, understanding of momentum transfer.
Common pitfall: Gripping the floor with your supporting hand; maintain a light, pivoting contact that allows rotation.
Pro tip: Master clockwise and counter-clockwise directions equally—limiting yourself creates gaps in battle vocabulary.
Elbow Glide
Transfer the handglide mechanics to your elbow, creating a lower, more grounded aesthetic. The reduced height changes your center of gravity, demanding refined core engagement to
