BMX Trick
Footjam tailwhip
A footjam tailwhip is a BMX trick where the rider jams a foot against the front tyre and fork, then whips the frame around the bars.
Updated 3 min read629 words
A footjam tailwhip is a BMX trick where the rider jams a foot against the front tyre and fork, then whips the frame around the bars. It combines a footjam, which is a stall on the front wheel, with a tailwhip.
Overview
A footjam is a position where the rider presses one foot against the front tyre and the fork leg. The wheel stops turning and the bike sits still against the foot. It is used on ledges, ramps and flat ground as a stall, and as the start or finish of other tricks.
In a footjam tailwhip, the rider adds the whip to this position. The frame spins around the bars while the foot stays in contact with the front end, or the rider uses the footjam as the entry or exit. Exact versions vary between riders and between videos, so names can differ.
The trick is hard because it asks for a clean whip and careful foot placement on a moving tyre. Wear grippy shoes and a helmet.
How to do it
Learn the plain tailwhip and a simple footjam stall first. Practise on flat ground or a low box.
- Land plain tailwhips. Be able to do them consistently on a jump, with a steady catch and landing.
- Learn the footjam stall. Roll slowly, lift the front wheel and press a foot against the tyre and the fork. Hold it for a moment and release.
- Pick your foot. Choose the foot that feels natural. The other foot stays on the pedal or comes up to help.
- Roll in with steady speed. Use a small bunny hop to get the bike moving and the front wheel up.
- Set the footjam. Place the foot against the tyre and fork just as the bike leaves the ground.
- Kick the frame. Use your free foot to flick the frame so it begins to whip around the bars. Keep your hands tight on the grips.
- Control the whip. Let the frame travel around the bars. Keep the front wheel steady and your weight over the front.
- Catch the bike. As the frame comes around, place your foot back on the pedal. Look for the landing.
- Land. Land on both wheels and ride out.
Take it slowly. Every part of the movement has to work for the trick to land.
Variations
- Footjam stall: the footjam on its own, held on a ledge, ramp or the ground.
- Footjam to fakie: the rider holds the stall and rolls back, riding fakie.
- Footjam barspin: a barspin added to the footjam.
- Footjam whip on ledges: the trick done on a ledge or a box.
- Opposite foot: using the other foot. It is much harder.
- Related tricks: the crankflip also uses foot work in the air.
Common mistakes
- Slipping off the tyre. A wet tyre or smooth shoe sole makes the foot slide away.
- Pressing too hard. Too much pressure stops the wheel and unbalances the bike.
- Weak kick. The frame does not complete the whip.
- Hands moving. If your hands slip, the front wheel turns and the trick ends.
- Looking down. Look for the landing as soon as you can.
- Skipping the plain steps. Trying the combo before the tailwhip and footjam are steady leads to crashes.
History
Footjam stalls grew out of flatland and street riding, where riders pressed a foot against the front tyre and fork to stall the bike. The tailwhip itself is a long established BMX trick. Riders began adding whips and other moves to the footjam position as street and park riding developed.
Who first landed the footjam tailwhip is not clear, so this page does not name a rider. Names and versions vary, and riders often put their own spin on the trick.
Related tricks
Frequently asked questions about Footjam tailwhip
What is a footjam?
A footjam is a stall where the rider presses a foot against the front tyre and fork, which stops the wheel from spinning and holds the bike in place. It can be done on its own, on a ledge or on a ramp.
Can a footjam damage my tyre?
Yes. Pressing a shoe against the tyre can wear the tread and the sidewall over time. Many riders accept this, and use a spare front tyre or a thicker casing for heavy practice.
Do I need to learn a normal tailwhip first?
Yes. The footjam tailwhip adds a foot position to a tailwhip, so you need to land plain tailwhips reliably before trying the combination.
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