# 5 Tips to Get Your Kid on the BMX Track

*A Parent’s Simple Guide to Starting BMX the Right Way*

Getting started in BMX doesn’t need to be complicated. Before worrying about racing, gates, or winning, your child just needs a few basic skills to feel confident and safe on the track.

These five fundamentals build balance, control, and confidence — the things that actually make BMX fun from day one.

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## Tip #1: Ride with Pedals Level

**Why it matters:**
Level pedals create stability. This is the foundation of everything your child will do on a BMX track — coasting, rolling through obstacles, and staying balanced.

**What to Practice:**

* Have your child stop pedaling and hold the pedals flat (like standing on a floor).
* Ride across a parking lot or smooth area while keeping pedals level.
* Focus on staying relaxed and balanced.


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## Tip #2: Learn to Stand Up with Pedals Level

**Why it matters:**
BMX riders don’t sit — they stand. Standing allows the bike to move underneath them and keeps them in control over bumps and hills.

**What to Practice:**

* Start rolling slowly.
* Stand up while keeping pedals level.
* Keep knees slightly bent and body loose.

**Coaching Cue for Parents:**
“Stand tall, but stay soft like a basketball player on defense.”

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## Tip #3: Ride Side-to-Side While Standing

**Why it matters:**
Tracks aren’t straight lines. Riders must be comfortable shifting their weight and leaning the bike underneath them.

**What to Practice:**

* While standing, gently steer left and right.
* Let the bike lean while the body stays centered.
* Think of making smooth “S” shapes.

**Goal:** Build comfort moving underneath the rider instead of staying stiff.


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## Tip #4: Practice Lifting the Front Wheel

**Why it matters:**
This teaches coordination and control — not tricks. It helps kids handle rollers, small bumps, and terrain changes safely.

**What to Practice:**

* Stand with pedals level.
* Push down into the legs, then gently pull up on the handlebars.
* Try lifting the front wheel just a few inches.

**Important:**
This is a movement skill, not a jump. Keep it small and controlled.

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## Tip #5: Pedal Fast While Standing (Body Aligned)

**Why it matters:**
BMX is about pedaling power while staying balanced. Kids need to learn to go fast without losing posture.

**What to Practice:**

* Stand up and pedal smoothly.
* Keep shoulders lined up with the handlebars.
* Avoid rocking side to side.

**Coaching Cue:**
“Fast legs. Quiet upper body.”

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## What Parents Should Remember

You don’t need to teach racing.
You don’t need special drills.
You just need to help your child feel comfortable standing and moving on the bike.

Confidence comes first. Speed comes later.

Kids who learn these five skills show up to the track ready to have fun — and that’s when progression happens naturally.

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## Want Help Taking the Next Step?

If your child is ready to build confidence on the track, structured coaching can make the process faster, safer, and way more fun.

We offer 2 great options for new riders!

Our weekly drop in "New Rider Class" every Thursday at 4:30-5:30.  This is a one time class riders need pants, long sleeve, any bike and any helmet.  The class is $20 cash only

BMX Beginner League!  This is an all inclusive BMX Beginner Program.  It comes with everything you need to get start in BMX racing!  USA BMX Membership, Racing long sleeve, number plate, league only coaching, league only racing, and nightly awards!  Sign up link is below!

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*Start simple. Keep it fun. See you at the track.*