BMX Term
Stance
Stance in BMX is which foot a rider puts forward on the pedals, either regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward), and it shapes spin direction.
Updated 2 min read362 words
Stance is the foot a rider naturally puts forward on the pedals. A rider with the left foot forward is regular. A rider with the right foot forward is goofy. Stance affects how comfortable each spin, grind and landing feels.
Meaning
Most riders have a natural stance. When standing on the pedals with the cranks level, one foot sits ahead of the other. That is the lead foot. It is the foot a rider feels most comfortable with when jumping, landing or setting up a trick.
There are two basic stances:
| Stance | Lead foot | Common spin feel |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | Left | Often spins more easily in one direction |
| Goofy | Right | Often spins more easily in the other |
Stance matters because the bike is not perfectly symmetrical, and the rider is not either. Spins such as 180s and 360s tend to feel easier in one direction. Many riders find their natural spin direction follows their stance, but this is a tendency and not a rule. Some riders spin well both ways.
Stance can change over time. Riders who learn tricks the other way round can end up with a mixed style.
Origin and usage
Regular and goofy are terms borrowed from surfing and skateboarding. They were already common in those sports before BMX riders used them for their own stance. The exact point BMX adopted them is not documented.
Riding the other way is called switch or oppo, depending on the trick and the rider. Learning both sides gives more options on lines, but most riders still have a favourite.
If you are unsure of your stance, try rolling and jumping off a kerb a few times, or have a friend push you gently from behind. The foot you put out first is usually your lead foot.
Examples
- "I'm goofy, so my 180s feel better to the right."
- "He rides regular, but he's learned to spin both ways."
- "Are you regular or goofy? I can never remember."
Related terms
Frequently asked questions about Stance
Am I regular or goofy on a BMX?
Notice which foot you naturally put forward when you stand on a bike or skateboard, or which foot you lead with. Left foot forward is regular. Right foot forward is goofy.
Does stance decide which way I spin?
Often it influences it. Many riders spin more easily in one direction, and that direction commonly matches their stance, but there are plenty of exceptions.
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Oppo
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