BMX Trick
One-Footer
A one-footer is a BMX air trick where the rider takes one foot off the pedal and extends that leg out in mid-air, then puts it back on the pedal before landing.
Updated 3 min read658 words
A one-footer is a BMX air trick where the rider takes one foot off its pedal and extends that leg out in mid-air, then returns the foot to the pedal before landing. It is one of the first style tricks most riders learn off a jump or ramp, and it is a building block for the can-can, superman and many combinations.
Overview
The one-footer is simple in idea. Hands stay on the bars, one foot stays on its pedal, and the other leg kicks out to the side or back. The longer and straighter the leg, the more style the trick has.
It is common on dirt jumps, quarter-pipes and vert, and it can be done off almost anything with enough air time. Because one foot and both hands stay on the bike, it is a forgiving way to learn what it feels like to take weight off the pedals in the air.
| Trick | What the foot does |
|---|---|
| One-footer | Comes off and extends on its own side |
| Can-can | Comes off and crosses over the top tube to the other side |
| Superman | Both feet come off and stretch out behind |
How to do it
Start on a small jump or ramp with a smooth landing.
- Ride in at a steady speed. Keep your cranks level, with the foot you will remove on the back pedal if that feels natural.
- Take off cleanly. Balance is more important than height for the first attempts.
- Lift the foot. At the top of the jump, take one foot off the pedal.
- Extend the leg. Kick it out to the side or slightly back. Keep the other foot pressing on its pedal.
- Hold briefly. Keep your eyes on the landing.
- Bring the foot back. Return it to the pedal before the bike starts to descend.
- Land. Both feet set, both wheels together, knees bent.
Keeping the bike stable
Press down firmly with the foot that stays on. This stops the bike drifting away from you. Keep your arms slightly bent and hold the bars steady.
Variations
- Back-foot and front-foot one-footers. Taking off the other foot changes the feel. Learning both helps later.
- Extended one-footer. The leg goes fully straight and out, often held at the peak.
- One-footed x-up. Bars turned while one foot is off. See x-up.
- One-footed tabletop. Lay the bike over while one leg is out. See tabletop.
- One-footed invert. One leg out while the bike is upside down. See invert.
- One-handed one-footer. One hand and one foot off together. See one-hander for naming.
- Can-can. The next step, where the foot crosses the frame. See can-can.
Learning progression
- Flat ground. Roll slowly, lift one foot off the pedal and put it back without looking.
- Kerb or small drop. Lift the foot as you roll off.
- Small jump. Take the foot off at the peak and put it back.
- Extend. Push the leg further out as it becomes automatic.
- Switch feet. Practise with the other foot, then move to bigger jumps.
Pedals with good grip make the return easier. See pedals. Wear shin guards, because a missed pedal often hits the shin.
Common mistakes
- Looking down for the pedal. Feel for it instead and keep your eyes on the landing.
- Lifting too early. Leave the lip with both feet on, then take one off.
- Loose standing foot. If the other foot is light, the bike moves away from you.
- Late return. Put the foot back at the peak, not on the way down.
- Worn pedal pins. Your foot can slip off on the return.
History
One-footed airs are among the oldest style tricks in BMX and date back to early jump and ramp riding in the late 1970s and 1980s. Racers of that era, such as Tim Judge, were known for one-footed jumps and one-footed tabletops. One-footers also feature in freestyle motocross. There is no documented first one-footer. See freestyle BMX boom 1980s and origins of BMX.
Related tricks
Frequently asked questions about One-Footer
What is the difference between a one-footer and a can-can?
In a one-footer the foot comes off and extends out on its own side of the bike. In a can-can the foot comes off and crosses over the top of the frame to the other side.
Which foot should I take off?
Most riders start with the foot that feels natural, which is often the back foot for their stance. Learning both sides is useful later, especially for combinations.
Can you do a one-footer with no hands?
Yes, riders combine one-footers with one-handers and no-handers. These combinations are more advanced, and their names vary from rider to rider.
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A one-hander is a BMX air trick where the rider takes one hand off the handlebars in mid-air and extends the arm, then regrips the bars before landing.
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A superman is a BMX air trick where the rider takes both feet off the pedals and extends their legs straight back while holding the bars, so the body lies flat.
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