BMX riding is more than just a sport — it’s an art form built on creativity, precision, and courage. Whether you’re a street shredder, a park trickster, or a dirt jumper, mastering a solid set of foundational tricks is key to building confidence and unlocking your full potential as a rider.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 BMX tricks every rider should master, from beginner-friendly moves to advanced stunts that showcase true style and control. These tricks not only enhance your skill set but also help you develop balance, timing, and a deep understanding of your bike.
Let’s jump in and see which ones you’ve already got dialed — and which ones to add to your training list!
1. Bunny Hop — The Foundation of All Tricks
The bunny hop is arguably the most important BMX trick — it’s the foundation for almost every other move. Mastering the bunny hop allows you to lift both wheels off the ground without using ramps or jumps, opening the door to countless other tricks.
How to do it:
- Ride at a moderate speed.
- Pull up on your handlebars while shifting your weight backward.
- As your front wheel rises, scoop the back wheel upward by pushing your pedals forward and leveling your bike in the air.
Once you get the bunny hop consistent, you can start hopping over obstacles, curbs, and even onto ledges.
Pro tip: The key is timing — pulling too early or too late will throw off your balance. Practice on flat ground until the motion becomes second nature.
2. Manual — Balance and Control on Display
A manual is a wheelie without pedaling — it’s all about balance. This trick strengthens your sense of bike control and looks smooth when linked between other moves.
How to do it:
- Start at a medium speed.
- Lean back and lift the front wheel using your arms and body weight.
- Keep your arms straight and balance by shifting your hips — not your handlebars.
It takes patience and practice to hold a manual for more than a few seconds, but once you do, it’s one of the most satisfying moves to flow between obstacles.
3. 180 Spin — The First Step into Rotations
The 180 is a classic BMX trick where you spin your bike 180 degrees mid-air and land backward (fakie). It’s an essential stepping stone toward more complex rotations like the 360.
How to do it:
- Approach at a steady pace.
- Carve slightly in the direction you want to spin.
- Pull up into a bunny hop while twisting your shoulders and head.
- Bring your bike around, land backward, and roll out in a fakie position.
Pro tip: Practice fakie riding (rolling backward) separately — it’ll make your 180s much smoother.
4. Fakie — Mastering the Backward Roll
After learning the 180, the fakie becomes a must-know skill. It involves rolling backward while maintaining balance and then transitioning back to forward motion.
How to do it:
- Start in a backward position after a 180.
- Keep your weight centered and look over your shoulder to control your direction.
- Use a “half cab” or pedal backward slightly to roll forward again.
It’s tricky at first, but mastering the fakie builds coordination and confidence for combos and flow lines.
5. Barspin — Style Meets Skill
Few tricks look as stylish as a barspin. Spinning the handlebars mid-air adds flair to your riding, whether you’re jumping a box, hitting a bank, or doing it flat ground.
How to do it:
- Start from a small hop or bunny hop.
- Pull up slightly, level your bike, and use your knees to stabilize.
- Toss the bars around using one hand while catching them cleanly with the other.
Safety tip: Learn barspins using a small ramp or soft surface first to avoid wrist injuries.
6. Tailwhip — A True BMX Classic
The tailwhip is one of the most iconic BMX tricks. It involves whipping the frame of your bike around 360° while keeping control of the handlebars.
How to do it:
- Start with a strong bunny hop.
- Use your front foot to kick the frame sideways.
- Keep your hands steady while the frame spins around.
- Catch the frame with your feet and land smoothly.
It’s a technical move requiring timing and balance, but landing your first tailwhip is a rite of passage for any BMX rider.
7. Grind (Feeble & Double Peg)
Grinding rails and ledges adds a whole new dimension to street riding. The feeble grind and double peg grind are the most common starting points.
Feeble Grind: Front wheel rides on top of the ledge while your back peg grinds the edge.
Double Peg Grind: Both pegs grind simultaneously along the surface.
How to do it:
- Approach the ledge at an angle.
- Hop up with a bunny hop.
- Lock your pegs in position and keep your balance steady.
- Hop off cleanly at the end of the ledge.
Grinding takes courage and bike control — but once you nail it, it opens up a world of street creativity.
8. Tabletop — The Aesthetic Trick
The tabletop is all about style and body control. You flatten your bike horizontally in mid-air, making it look “tabletop” level.
How to do it:
- Hit a jump or ramp with good speed.
- In mid-air, twist your handlebars while bringing one knee up.
- Flatten the bike, then level it out before landing.
Tabletops showcase your personal style — every rider has their own version, and no two look exactly alike.
9. No-Hander — Freedom in the Air
Nothing screams confidence like taking your hands off the bars mid-air. The no-hander is both thrilling and elegant.
How to do it:
- Hit a jump or bunny hop with good height.
- Squeeze your knees against the frame for stability.
- Release your hands and extend them outward.
- Grab the bars again before landing.
Start small and work your way up to bigger jumps as your comfort grows.
10. 360 Spin — The Ultimate Flow Trick
The 360 combines precision, power, and style. Spinning your bike a full 360° and landing smoothly takes time — but it’s a showstopper once mastered.
How to do it:
- Approach at a steady speed and carve slightly.
- Initiate the spin with your head and shoulders.
- Pull up and commit to the rotation.
- Keep your eyes on the landing spot and absorb the impact.
Once you land your first 360, you’ll feel unstoppable — it’s one of those tricks that truly defines your progression as a rider.
Final Thoughts
BMX is about progression, not perfection. Every rider learns at their own pace — the key is to stay consistent, have fun, and always wear your safety gear.
These 10 tricks form the foundation of freestyle BMX and will help you develop your style, flow, and confidence on the bike. Whether you’re hitting the park, the streets, or the trails, remember: every great rider started with a single bunny hop.
So grab your bike, hit your local spot, and start working on those moves — your next favorite trick might be just a few sessions away.
Ride hard, ride smart, and never stop progressing!