Billy Kennedy demonstrating the pull-up barspin

Barspin Muscle Memory for BMX

Barspin Muscle Memory -Introduction

In today’s guide, we’re diving into the art of the BMX barspin tips, a trick that’s all about finesse and muscle memory. Just like snapping your fingers or throwing a baseball, it’s repetition that ingrains the motion into our very being. I’m here to share a three-step method that helped me master the barspin, even though it’s not my go-to trick.

Billy Kennedy doing a bunnyhop barspin with his belgian malinois in the background

Muscle memory refers to the process by which our muscles learn and remember specific movements through repetition. In BMX riding, repeatedly practicing tricks like bunnyhops, manuals, and 180s helps embed these motions into your muscle memory. Allowing you to perform them more fluidly and without conscious thought. This learned physical coordination is crucial for executing complex tricks and maintaining balance, ultimately enhancing your overall riding technique and control.

Methods for Learning Barspin Muscle Memory

  1. The Static Barspin

Start by stabilizing your bike against a wall or using your pegs. Place one foot on a peg and position the pedal behind your calf. This setup allows you to focus entirely on the barspin motion without worrying about the complexities of a bunny hop. Practice this repeatedly until it feels second nature.

Billy Kennedy performing a peg assisted barspin on a BMX Bike at his home.
  1. The Grounded Approach

Lay on your back with your bike positioned above you. This method isolates the barspin, letting you concentrate on the throw and catch aspect of the trick while minimizing the risk of injury. By eliminating other variables, you can perfect the movement more efficiently.

Billy Kennedy Laying on his back to practice barspins
  1. The Moving Barspin

Once you’re comfortable with both the static and grounded barspins, it’s time to introduce some movement. Start by performing a manual, then quickly throw the bars before the wheels touch down. This practice helps you transition from stationary practice to executing the trick in motion, bridging the gap between controlled practice and real-world application.

Billy Kennedy Performing the manual (pull-up) barspin

By following these principles, you can develop the muscle memory and confidence needed to master barspins. Remember, consistent practice is key to refining your technique and making this trick a reliable part of your BMX repertoire.

Bonus Tips For Learning Muscle Memory

Bonus Tip 1: To add an extra layer of realism to your practice sessions, try spinning your front wheel while you practice. This technique mimics the rotational force you’d experience during an actual bunny hop barspin, helping you get used to the dynamics of the trick. By incorporating this spinning motion, you can better understand how your bike will respond during a real barspin, making your practice more effective and your progress faster.

Bonus Tip 2: Take your skills to the next level by challenging yourself to perform the barspin with your opposite hand. This exercise not only helps build ambidexterity but also improves your overall bike handling skills. It’s the method I used to learn how to do opposite barspins, and it significantly enhanced my ability to perform tricks in both directions. By becoming proficient with your non-dominant hand, you’ll gain greater control and versatility, which can be incredibly beneficial for more complex tricks in the future.

Conclusion

I hope these BMX barspin tips help you unlock the barspin. Stick around, practice diligently, and you’ll be spinning like a pro in no time! Remember to check out our affiliate links, all purchases help support Billy BMX Media!