Intermediate Guide for 1990s

Bboy Crescent · 11:35 PM

This guide is not gonna teach you how to do 1990s step by step. I think most people would agree that 1990s are a b*tch to pick up. There are so many things that can go wrong while you're doing the move, so I'm gonna list some of those problems and try to correct some of your mistakes.

Balance

Balance plays a BIG role in learning this move. First mistake... don't mix up static balance with moving balance. Handstands might help you get used to being upside down, but the feeling has almost nothing to do with spinning around in 1990s. I still can't do handstands for sh*t (especially one-handed) but I can do 1990s just fine. So don't waste too much time on those. Balance is the first thing you should worry about as you kick your legs up and bring your hands down. Beginners shouldn't put power into your spin until you can feel yourself "locking" into a balanced position that will set you up for a nice spin, otherwise you will spin out of control since you're off balance to start with. How can you tell that you're balanced? Experience. It's just a feeling you'll have once you get used to it, so just practice. Balance is also what gets you more spins, speed matters too but not as much.

Body

Your body should be locked up stiff during the spin. Don't expect to get into position and let momentum carry yourself through the rest of the move, 1990s rarely work like that. Even when it does, you won't stay up there for long. Keep your body STRAIGHT. You really have to pay a lotta attention to this when you're doing the move. Many people tend to bend back a lot, making their whole body look like a skinny C. Even when you think you're straight, record your 1990s and watch it. Chances are you are still bent. This bent form is very unstable, and, not to mention, very ugly. (If anything, bend the other way, stick your ass out and bend your knee a little so you look like a lightning bolt. This form is actually quite advanced, you need a lot of control to do it.) Bending your body is very natural, it will have a tendency to do so in order to stay balanced. You'll just have to fight this instinct by paying close attention to your whole body.

Legs

Legs are hard to manage when you're just starting out, they just seem to fly everywhere and lose control of themselves. Again, keep them stiff and pay close attention to them. Keep them in a good position and make sure they stay there by locking up your muscles. Keep them straight (don't have to lock knees) and stick them close together, it makes your spin faster and easier. (When I say keep them together, I mean keep your feet together. you can do different things with your knees when doing variations) If your legs are straight, you can just cross them at the shin. DON'T cross legs at the knee, your feet will come apart when you spin. You also mess up your momentum when you do that. Since your spinning radius is so small, it's easy to lose your balance. You'll just have to live with that since that's what 90s look like. A common mistake I see in people is that they tend to keep one leg straight and the other leg bent at the knee to propel themselves around. This may work from time to time, but it's a bad habit. You don't want your 90s to look like that.

Arms

Arms need to be kept pretty straight and also stiffened during the spin. Chances are, you have come pretty close to landing on your head during the learning process. This is a result of a loose spinning arm. NEVER lock your elbow, you might get off balance during the spin and it will hurt really bad. You probably won't be able to do 90s or handstands for a while when that happens. The other arm can remain near the ground just to catch yourself when you start getting off balance. If you're confident about your balance, tuck that elbow (free arm) in your rib cage and bend your arm so that your free hand is right next to your shoulder. This looks way better when you're spinning. Another thing about arms... your shoulders need to remain somewhat parallel to the ground. Big mistake is to lean too far to one side since 1990s are only on one arm. Pay attention to this. Once you're in your spin, you need to place all your weight onto that shoulder that's supporting you. Keeping that arm/shoulder stiff will help you maintain your balance.

Hands

Hands.. spin on the part that you feel most comfortable with, don't spin with your whole hand. The least amount of friction is usually on the bottom part of your palm directly below the pinky. This will help you spin longer. Placement of the hands is also very important. Experiment with different spots on the floor to put your hands down as you kick your legs up to get upside down. This gives you balance right away if you find the right spot. (This "sweet" spot varies depending on the power of the first kick and your speed) When you place your second hand down to transfer weight, place it somewhere close to the other hand. This way, when you transfer your weight, then center of your spin is remains somewhat the same from a bird's eye view. (Lotta physics involved)

Hip

The twist in your hip is what starts the spin. In 1990s, you kick up to get upside down, your legs begin spinning from the kick (or maybe an additional kick), then your body catches up and you're fully spinning. Make sure you don't let your hip twist too early or too late. Need to experiment with the timing of this twist so you can get as many spins as you can. If you spin too early or too late, you can lose speed and/or balance. Once you're in a full spin and your body is straight, your hip should be propelling your spin. If your upper body is bent, you will probably use your head to propel your spin by leaning your head toward the spinning arm. (You don't really propel your spin with these body parts, they're just what keeps the spin going longer)

Head

Not much to say here, beginners look down at the floor to get your sense of balance. When you have a good feel for it, don't look down, just look to the side and keep an eye on an imaginary circle on the floor. This helps keep your body straight. When you look down, it's highly likely that your upper body will bend just so you can see the ground right below you.

Injuries

I have only been injured twice doing 1990s. Once when my elbow locked up and the other time when I did a really hard landing on marble floor and bruised a bone on my foot. Don't worry about other parts of your body... as ridiculous as it sounds I've heard about Bboys wearing cups for 1990s. (No offense to those that do I just don't find that necessary) It helps to always fall with your belly facing the ground. I know a lotta people have this cat instinct in them so you don't have to worry. If you fall on your back you will probably get the wind knocked out of you. In that case, catch yourself with your feet. When you practice on carpet, don't do it too much in a short period of time or your palm will get carpet burnt... which isn't a big deal since your palm has a really thick layer of skin, but it does hinder the learning process.

Video Clip

Oh yeah, here's a small clip to go with the guide.
Scissor Kick 90s - I prefer to start this way, wind-up looks more impressive and goes nicely with combos. I can't even remember how to start 90s the normal way after learning this variation.

Spikey#1 · 11-06-2003, 10:48 PM

Tight guide Cres...mad helpful..props to ya..keep posting this helpful thread!!

Adster · 11-07-2003, 12:40 AM

Im pretty new to bboying, bit more than 2 months, and this guide really helps! You rock Crescent

AzNbReAkA · 11-07-2003, 04:43 PM

i didnt read much of it, but watchin the clip helped alot, heh, i'm workin on my 90z right now

Mowicz · 11-08-2003, 12:11 AM

Nice guide about spinnin', requisits, and such, but what about actually gettin' up into it? I can only get in like 1/30 times, but when I DO get in it, I can spin like 3 times, so my prob's gettin' into it, not the balance/form. The video shows "Scissor Kick style" (Which IS like the best one...), right? Is spreading your legs on the way up necessary/beneficial? (A bit after halfway, both hands're on the ground, and both legs're straight out to the sides....) Cuz the times I do get into it, I spread 'em kind've like in the video.....only subconsciously, so I can't jus "Do it every time"....it's not an actual motion on my part, but more of a reaction to reaching over with my left arm and swingin' my legs up.....which I don't really feel is right.

Any chance of a guide for actually startin' the 90's? Or any tips at least? Tons of appreciation.

Peace.

theb · 11-08-2003, 01:36 AM

very very dope im a use dis !

Bboy Crescent · 11-08-2003, 02:55 AM

I told you it wasn't gonna be a step-by-step guide but yeah I can write a guide for starting a scissor kick 90.

b-boy Syth · 11-10-2003, 02:59 PM

Not meaning to flame you man, but that ain't a dope guide, it over-complicates a simple move..90s are hard if you don't understand how to begin the spin, but are a doddle if you know these concepts:

Firstly, headspin taps will help immensly as all spins apply a variation of this technique

1)Pike when going in, and lay-out wide
2)Wind legs exactly how you would in a headspin tap
3)Try and hug ur head with the arm ur gonna spin on and invert slightly (not literally hug, but to understand what i'm saying do a headspin tap and hug ur head with the last hand u let go with, this motion aligns ur Centre of Gravity)

One 90 is not hard, multiple 90s you have to practice and master for all ur breakin life

Bboy Crescent · 11-11-2003, 12:16 AM

Ok syth you teach them. This guides helps them get extra rounds on 1990s. I agree, one round 1990 is very simple, in fact I had that down in 1 week. But it's taken me over 5 months to figure all this stuff out, and with scissor kick & up to 3 rounds afterwards. Just saving people time, no need to write a guide right under mine that's supposedly "less complicated" and "better"

OggyNoSh · 12-20-2003, 05:22 PM

Hey man nice guide

its rally awesome im gonna practice with that ... and the vids is really good nice job man...

Anubis2002 · 01-01-2004, 08:09 PM

Ya know, it may be a simple move but anyone who CAN do a move say its simple.

the point is to over simplify so EVERYONE can get it

d@rk_wr@ith · 01-02-2004, 05:44 AM

dope guide dawg i can walk around in circles like a 90 but on 2 hands all day but every time i tried to spin on one hand it didnt work but i tryed using the bottom of my palm below the pinkie and i spun hella sweet and like 720' cos i already had sweet balance on my hands thanks man and scythe let the man be hes just trying to help ppl if u dont like his guide dont read it but it seems to have worked for everyone else in here, and like that fella said any move is easy if u can already do it just cos its easy to u doesnt mean its easy to others.
peace

OggyNoSh · 01-08-2004, 03:31 PM

i agree with ya d@rk...

OggyNoSh · 01-08-2004, 03:32 PM

i agree with ya d@rk... i got the same problem.. can stand in 2 hjands but can spin on 1.. dunno why

ant · 12-03-2006, 04:23 PM

i know this post was made 3 years ago... but do you think you could re-upload the video? the reading part didnt help much and i was hoping the video would help, but its no longer on the site.

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Bboy Crescent Guide Maker Respect: 1.5 Posts: 25 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Paul MN	Intermediate Guide for 1990s (Clip included) - 11-06-2003, 10:41 PM This guide is not gonna teach you how to do 1990s step by step. I think most people would agree that 1990s are a btch to pick up. There are so many things that can go wrong while you're doing the move, so I'm gonna list some of those problems and try to correct some of your mistakes. Balance Balance plays a BIG role in learning this move. First mistake... don't mix up static balance with moving balance. Handstands might help you get used to being upside down, but the feeling has almost nothing to do with spinning around in 1990s. I still can't do handstands for sht (especially one-handed) but I can do 1990s just fine. So don't waste too much time on those. Balance is the first thing you should worry about as you kick your legs up and bring your hands down. Beginners shouldn't put power into your spin until you can feel yourself "locking" into a balanced position that will set you up for a nice spin, otherwise you will spin out of control since you're off balance to start with. How can you tell that you're balanced? Experience. It's just a feeling you'll have once you get used to it, so just practice. Balance is also what gets you more spins, speed matters too but not as much. Body Your body should be locked up stiff during the spin. Don't expect to get into position and let momentum carry yourself through the rest of the move, 1990s rarely work like that. Even when it does, you won't stay up there for long. Keep your body STRAIGHT. You really have to pay a lotta attention to this when you're doing the move. Many people tend to bend back a lot, making their whole body look like a skinny C. Even when you think you're straight, record your 1990s and watch it. Chances are you are still bent. This bent form is very unstable, and, not to mention, very ugly. (If anything, bend the other way, stick your ass out and bend your knee a little so you look like a lightning bolt. This form is actually quite advanced, you need a lot of control to do it.) Bending your body is very natural, it will have a tendency to do so in order to stay balanced. You'll just have to fight this instinct by paying close attention to your whole body. Legs Legs are hard to manage when you're just starting out, they just seem to fly everywhere and lose control of themselves. Again, keep them stiff and pay close attention to them. Keep them in a good position and make sure they stay there by locking up your muscles. Keep them straight (don't have to lock knees) and stick them close together, it makes your spin faster and easier. (When I say keep them together, I mean keep your feet together. you can do different things with your knees when doing variations) If your legs are straight, you can just cross them at the shin. DON'T cross legs at the knee, your feet will come apart when you spin. You also mess up your momentum when you do that. Since your spinning radius is so small, it's easy to lose your balance. You'll just have to live with that since that's what 90s look like. A common mistake I see in people is that they tend to keep one leg straight and the other leg bent at the knee to propel themselves around. This may work from time to time, but it's a bad habit. You don't want your 90s to look like that. Arms Arms need to be kept pretty straight and also stiffened during the spin. Chances are, you have come pretty close to landing on your head during the learning process. This is a result of a loose spinning arm. NEVER lock your elbow, you might get off balance during the spin and it will hurt really bad. You probably won't be able to do 90s or handstands for a while when that happens. The other arm can remain near the ground just to catch yourself when you start getting off balance. If you're confident about your balance, tuck that elbow (free arm) in your rib cage and bend your arm so that your free hand is right next to your shoulder. This looks way better when you're spinning. Another thing about arms... your shoulders need to remain somewhat parallel to the ground. Big mistake is to lean too far to one side since 1990s are only on one arm. Pay attention to this. Once you're in your spin, you need to place all your weight onto that shoulder that's supporting you. Keeping that arm/shoulder stiff will help you maintain your balance. Hands Hands.. spin on the part that you feel most comfortable with, don't spin with your whole hand. The least amount of friction is usually on the bottom part of your palm directly below the pinky. This will help you spin longer. Placement of the hands is also very important. Experiment with different spots on the floor to put your hands down as you kick your legs up to get upside down. This gives you balance right away if you find the right spot. (This "sweet" spot varies depending on the power of the first kick and your speed) When you place your second hand down to transfer weight, place it somewhere close to the other hand. This way, when you transfer your weight, then center of your spin is remains somewhat the same from a bird's eye view. (Lotta physics involved) Hip The twist in your hip is what starts the spin. In 1990s, you kick up to get upside down, your legs begin spinning from the kick (or maybe an additional kick), then your body catches up and you're fully spinning. Make sure you don't let your hip twist too early or too late. Need to experiment with the timing of this twist so you can get as many spins as you can. If you spin too early or too late, you can lose speed and/or balance. Once you're in a full spin and your body is straight, your hip should be propelling your spin. If your upper body is bent, you will probably use your head to propel your spin by leaning your head toward the spinning arm. (You don't really propel your spin with these body parts, they're just what keeps the spin going longer) Head Not much to say here, beginners look down at the floor to get your sense of balance. When you have a good feel for it, don't look down, just look to the side and keep an eye on an imaginary circle on the floor. This helps keep your body straight. When you look down, it's highly likely that your upper body will bend just so you can see the ground right below you. Injuries I have only been injured twice doing 1990s. Once when my elbow locked up and the other time when I did a really hard landing on marble floor and bruised a bone on my foot. Don't worry about other parts of your body... as ridiculous as it sounds I've heard about Bboys wearing cups for 1990s. (No offense to those that do I just don't find that necessary) It helps to always fall with your belly facing the ground. I know a lotta people have this cat instinct in them so you don't have to worry. If you fall on your back you will probably get the wind knocked out of you. In that case, catch yourself with your feet. When you practice on carpet, don't do it too much in a short period of time or your palm will get carpet burnt... which isn't a big deal since your palm has a really thick layer of skin, but it does hinder the learning process. Video Clip Oh yeah, here's a small clip to go with the guide. Scissor Kick 90s - I prefer to start this way, wind-up looks more impressive and goes nicely with combos. I can't even remember how to start 90s the normal way after learning this variation. Last edited by Bboy Crescent : 11-06-2003 at 11:35 PM.
	What?


Spikey#1 God,faith,will,momentum! Respect: 1 Posts: 426 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: 10th downing	11-06-2003, 10:48 PM Tight guide Cres...mad helpful..props to ya..keep posting this helpful thread!!
	The four elements of hiphop {Graffiti,Mc,Dj,Bboy/Bgirl} and you thought I was gonna start with water.Ha!


Adster n00b Respect: 1 Posts: 24 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Edmonton	11-07-2003, 12:40 AM Im pretty new to bboying, bit more than 2 months, and this guide really helps! You rock Crescent


AzNbReAkA LOBZ Respect: 1.5 Posts: 777 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: baton rouge	11-07-2003, 04:43 PM i didnt read much of it, but watchin the clip helped alot, heh, i'm workin on my 90z right now
	email me at freshbboy@hotmail.com aim me at "Wondering Lobz" quote: ______________________________________ Originally posted by da DMD AZNbreaka is not human ______________________________________


theb Bboy.org's Hall of Famer Respect: 4 Posts: 2,699 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.S.	11-08-2003, 01:36 AM very very dope im a use dis !
	B-boy noni - One B-Generation Crew ^thats my gallery


Bboy Crescent Guide Maker Respect: 1.5 Posts: 25 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Paul MN	11-08-2003, 02:55 AM I told you it wasn't gonna be a step-by-step guide but yeah I can write a guide for starting a scissor kick 90.
	What?


b-boy Syth Registered User Respect: 1 Posts: 128 Join Date: Aug 2003	11-10-2003, 02:59 PM Not meaning to flame you man, but that ain't a dope guide, it over-complicates a simple move..90s are hard if you don't understand how to begin the spin, but are a doddle if you know these concepts: Firstly, headspin taps will help immensly as all spins apply a variation of this technique 1)Pike when going in, and lay-out wide 2)Wind legs exactly how you would in a headspin tap 3)Try and hug ur head with the arm ur gonna spin on and invert slightly (not literally hug, but to understand what i'm saying do a headspin tap and hug ur head with the last hand u let go with, this motion aligns ur Centre of Gravity) One 90 is not hard, multiple 90s you have to practice and master for all ur breakin life


Bboy Crescent Guide Maker Respect: 1.5 Posts: 25 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Paul MN	11-11-2003, 12:16 AM Ok syth you teach them. This guides helps them get extra rounds on 1990s. I agree, one round 1990 is very simple, in fact I had that down in 1 week. But it's taken me over 5 months to figure all this stuff out, and with scissor kick & up to 3 rounds afterwards. Just saving people time, no need to write a guide right under mine that's supposedly "less complicated" and "better"
	What?


OggyNoSh !-¡Flarez R Hot!-¡ Respect: 1 Posts: 388 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Las Tablas tu razzz	12-20-2003, 05:22 PM Hey man nice guide its rally awesome im gonna practice with that ... and the vids is really good nice job man...
	~Bbôy¡n Is Lif£~ *Peace to all the bboys* My-Webpage My-Gallery


d@rk_wr@ith Registered User Respect: 1 Posts: 37 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: redcliffe	01-02-2004, 05:44 AM dope guide dawg i can walk around in circles like a 90 but on 2 hands all day but every time i tried to spin on one hand it didnt work but i tryed using the bottom of my palm below the pinkie and i spun hella sweet and like 720' cos i already had sweet balance on my hands thanks man and scythe let the man be hes just trying to help ppl if u dont like his guide dont read it but it seems to have worked for everyone else in here, and like that fella said any move is easy if u can already do it just cos its easy to u doesnt mean its easy to others. peace


OggyNoSh !-¡Flarez R Hot!-¡ Respect: 1 Posts: 388 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Las Tablas tu razzz	01-08-2004, 03:31 PM i agree with ya d@rk...
	~Bbôy¡n Is Lif£~ *Peace to all the bboys* My-Webpage My-Gallery


OggyNoSh !-¡Flarez R Hot!-¡ Respect: 1 Posts: 388 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Las Tablas tu razzz	01-08-2004, 03:32 PM i agree with ya d@rk... i got the same problem.. can stand in 2 hjands but can spin on 1.. dunno why
	~Bbôy¡n Is Lif£~ *Peace to all the bboys* My-Webpage My-Gallery


ant Registered User Respect: 1 Posts: 1 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: garland	12-03-2006, 04:23 PM i know this post was made 3 years ago... but do you think you could re-upload the video? the reading part didnt help much and i was hoping the video would help, but its no longer on the site.