How to Do a BMX Can-Can

The can-can is a basic trick all of the professional BMX bike riders can do on the various extreme sports tours and shows. The longer the can-can is held and the positioning of the legs/feet gives greater style points to the performer. In professional circles, the can-can is often added to another trick in the series. The BMX can-can is not that hard to do, but you need plenty of time in the air to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Protective gear
• Foam pit
• Ramp

1. Find a jump with a proper landing area. You do not want to learn the can-can or any other jump while landing on the concrete. Use a foam pit if one is available. Consider building a foam pit to learn future jumps, too.
2. Pedal hard to get a good amount of speed to hit the jump.
3. Think about the moves needed to do the can-can as you sail through the air. At this point, you want to get a feel for the timing needed to perform the can-can. Imagine doing the can-can while you are in the air.
4. Make another run at the ramp, adjusting your speed up or down to match how much time you think you will need to do the can-can. Imagine the can-can one more time without actually doing it off the jump.
5. Line up in front of the jump, and imagine the speed needed, the performance of the can-can and the perfect landing. You want to train your brain so it knows what you are doing and will properly communicate with your muscles to perform the can-can.
6. Pedal up to speed and hit the jump.
7. Lift your right (or left) foot off the pedal as soon as the bike leaves the lip of the jump.
8. Move the right (or left) leg over the tube on the bike so that you have both feet on the same side of the bike. Move whichever leg feels more natural. If you are right-handed, you will likely feel more comfortable moving your right leg and vice versa.
9. Leave your left foot on the pedal. Your right foot should point to the left side of your body.
10. Move your right (or left) foot back into its original position on the pedal.
11. Spot your landing and nail it with both tires landing at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Picture doing the can-can in your mind before you attempt it in the air.
• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear when learning new tricks and practicing various jumps. You want to spend time on your BMX bike, not sitting on the couch recovering from a bad fall.