A spin is a move based on momentum that allows a break dancer to rotate on an axis. In the case of a backspin, that axis is the spine of the dancer's upper back. A properly balanced backspin may continue for a long time without the dancer having to employ "tapping," which occurs when the dancer pushes off of the floor with a part of her body to keep up the momentum of the spin.
Lie on your right side with your weight supported by your hip and forearm. Swing your left leg forward over the right leg. Start to lean back as the leg continues swinging forward toward your torso. As the momentum from the left leg begins to move the rest of your body, kick the right leg out and around to meet the left one. Once the legs meet and your torso is rotating, the backspin has begun.
Before attempting a backspin, a dancer may first work on his balance with other spins, such as hand, knee and butt spins. He should also work on his abdominal strength, which comes into play when he is pulling his body into the tight backspin position. The dancer will enter into a backspin from a power move that creates momentum. Once on his back, the b-boy will tuck his head into his chest, curve in his spine and balance on the space between his shoulder blades for the duration of the spin.
Like a ballet dancer or figure skater doing a pirouette, the break dancer will want to pull into the smallest possible size to hold the momentum of the spin for as long as possible. To do this, the dancer will contract her abdominal muscles, tuck her legs into her torso so that her knees almost meet her head. To keep the position strong and solid, the b-girl will hug her legs into her body, either over or under her knees.