Ready to take your BMX skills to the next level? Learning how to bunny hop is one of the most useful and exciting tricks you can master. It’s a basic skill that opens the door to higher-level stunts. Plus, it just looks really cool!
TL;DR:
The bunny hop is a trick where you lift both wheels of your BMX bike off the ground at the same time. It’s a mix of balance, timing, and muscle. Start by practicing your front wheel lift and lean into your back wheel hop. Combine the two for a smooth, clean jump!
What is a Bunny Hop?
The bunny hop is a way to jump your bike without a ramp. It’s perfect for clearing curbs, small gaps, or just impressing your friends.
You use your body and bike together like one smooth machine. First, you lift the front wheel. Then, the back follows. All done without any special equipment—just skill and timing.
Why Learn to Bunny Hop?
- It’s a foundation skill—Used in many other tricks.
- Great for street riding—Hop over obstacles quickly.
- It builds confidence—Mastering it makes you feel like a BMX pro.
- Looks awesome—Admit it, something about flying off the ground is cool.
What You’ll Need
- A BMX bike—Preferably one you’re already comfortable with.
- Helmet and pads—Safety first!
- A flat, open surface—Like a quiet street or empty parking lot.
Step-by-Step: Learn the Bunny Hop
Step 1: Get Into Position
Start riding slowly. Stand up on your pedals. Keep your knees slightly bent and your arms relaxed.
Place your pedals level—the crank arms should be parallel to the ground. Look ahead, not down.
This is your ready position.
Step 2: Crouch and Prep
Now bend your knees more and squat down. Lean your chest closer to your handlebars. Keep your head up and elbows out.
Think of yourself as a spring—you’re getting ready to pop!
Step 3: Pull Up the Front Wheel
Now! Push down slightly on the pedals and suddenly pull up on the handlebars. Your front wheel should lift off the ground.
Use your arms and shoulders to guide the motion. The idea is to shift your weight back just a little as you pull up.
Tip: Don’t try to yank the bike. Smooth motion works better than brute force.
Step 4: Jump and Tuck the Back Wheel
Here’s the tricky part. After your front wheel is up, jump upward using your legs. Tuck your knees and toes upward at the same time.
Pull the back of your bike up with your feet while you’re in the air. Imagine you’re trying to stick your bike to your shoes.
Together with the front lift, this creates the bunny hop!
Step 5: Keep It Smooth
The trick is in timing. Front wheel first, then back. Not all at once.
If you try to hop both wheels at once, it may feel stiff. Break it into two smooth parts and then combine them naturally.
Step 6: Land Like a Pro
As you come down, let the front wheel land first—or both together if you’re feeling clean. Use your arms and legs to absorb the impact. Don’t land stiff!
Bend your knees on landing to stay balanced.
Bonus Tip: Keep your eyes forward the whole time. Looking down makes you lose control.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- “I can’t get the front wheel up!”
You’re not leaning your body back enough. Crouch deeper and pull more with your arms. - “I get the front up, but not the back!”
Focus on jumping and tucking your legs. Lift the rear by dragging the pedals up using your feet. - “I lose balance in the air.”
Keep practicing the motion slowly. Don’t rush. Balance comes with repetition. - “I feel wobbly on the landing.”
Stay loose, not stiff. Use your legs as shock absorbers.
Practice Drills
You don’t have to leap tall buildings on day one. Start small.
- Front wheel lifts—Just practice getting the front up.
- Back wheel hops—Try to jump with your legs while the front stays low.
- Chalk line practice—Draw a line and hop over it.
- Use a stick or bottle—Hop over small objects to build confidence.
Over time, you’ll feel when everything clicks.
Challenge Yourself
Once you’ve got it down, challenge yourself to:
- Bunny hop up a curb
- Set up mini cones and hop over them
- Try bunny hops in smooth succession while riding
Don’t forget to film your progress—seeing your own jumps helps with motivation!
Final Thoughts
Learning the bunny hop takes patience and practice. But once you get it, you’ll want to use it everywhere.
Start small. Don’t be afraid to mess up. Every great rider once struggled with their first bunny hop too.
So hop on your bike, find a safe spot, and start practicing. You’ve got this!
Happy hopping!