How to Teach Your Kids to Balance on a Gate in BMX
Why Is Balancing on the Gate So Important?
One of the most important skills in BMX racing is learning how to balance on the starting gate.
Whether your child is racing at RCBMX in Alice Springs, or at any BMX track across Australia, mastering the gate start is essential for a strong race performance.
In this blog, we’ll share tips on how to teach your kids to balance on a BMX gate, what they can do at home to improve, and how this balance skill relates to other aspects of life and sport. Plus, we’ll include helpful links to AusCycling so you can get your child started with the proper licences and support.
Why Is Balancing on the Gate So Important?
The start of a BMX race is critical. Riders who can balance on the gate without touching the ground with their feet have a significant advantage when the gate drops. A solid balance means quicker acceleration and the ability to focus solely on pedalling as fast as possible. Across Australia, experienced riders spend a lot of time perfecting their gate starts to ensure they get off the line fast. Balancing on a BMX gate isn’t just about racing – it’s a valuable skill that helps kids develop focus, control, and confidence, which can carry over into other sports and everyday life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teach Your Kids How to Balance on the Gate
1. Start with the Right Positioning
Before your child can learn to balance on the gate, they need to know the proper positioning. Here’s how to get them started:
- Stand Tall on the Bike: Make sure your child is standing tall on their BMX bike, with their pedals level and their weight evenly distributed between the handlebars and pedals.
- Knees Slightly Bent: Encourage your child to keep their knees slightly bent to allow for better control and flexibility.
- Look Straight Ahead: Teach your child to keep their eyes focused ahead, not down at the gate or pedals. This helps with maintaining balance and readiness for the race.
2. Practise Balance Without Pedalling
To begin with, have your child practise balancing without worrying about the gate dropping. The goal is to have them get comfortable with keeping their feet on the pedals while remaining steady. Kids can start on a flat surface to build this skill before moving to the gate at any BMX track across Australia.
3. Work on Small Movements
Once your child feels stable on their bike, encourage them to make small movements with their body to maintain balance. Shifting their weight slightly forward or backward and using their core to stabilise will help them stay upright when the gate is about to drop.
4. Simulate the Gate Start
If you can, take your child to a local BMX track to practise on an actual gate. If that’s not possible, simulate a gate start by having them practise balancing on a slight incline or driveway at home. They can then practise balancing for a few seconds before pushing off and pedalling.
Exercises at Home to Improve Gate Balance
Even when you're not at the BMX track, there are plenty of exercises your child can do at home to improve their balance and control on the gate. Here are some ideas:
1. Balance Drills on a BMX Bike
Set up a safe, flat area in your driveway or backyard where your child can practise standing on their bike without pedalling. Encourage them to focus on keeping their feet on the pedals and their body steady. These drills are simple but effective for improving their balance and control on the starting gate.
2. Core Strength Exercises
Strong core muscles help with overall balance and stability, especially when balancing on the BMX gate. Have your child work on simple core exercises at home, like planks, sit-ups, and leg raises. A stronger core will help them stay balanced and steady when they’re on the gate.
3. Practising on an Incline
If you have a small hill or ramp in your yard, let your child practise balancing on it, simulating the position they would be in on the gate. The incline helps mimic the conditions of the start gate at any BMX track across Australia.
4. Use a BOSU Ball
A BOSU ball is a fantastic tool to help your child improve their balance and coordination. Standing on the flat side of the BOSU ball while keeping their balance can simulate the balancing act they’ll need on the BMX gate. By shifting their weight and focusing on core stability, your child can practise maintaining control, which translates directly to their BMX gate starts. BOSU balls are fun, safe, and help build confidence in younger riders.
How Balancing on the Gate Relates to Life and Other Sports
Balancing on a BMX gate isn’t just about racing. The skills your child develops while learning to balance on their BMX bike will benefit them in many other areas:
- Focus and Concentration: Maintaining balance requires focus, teaching your child how to block out distractions and stay calm under pressure. This skill is valuable in school, sports, and any challenging situation they face.
- Coordination and Motor Skills: The fine motor skills your child develops from balancing on their BMX bike translate to other activities, such as football, basketball, or gymnastics, where body control and coordination are essential.
- Confidence: Mastering balance on a BMX gate boosts self-esteem and builds confidence. Whether on the track or in everyday life, this newfound confidence will help your child take on new challenges.
- Cross-Sport Benefits: The balance and core strength your child builds will benefit them in a wide variety of sports, from skateboarding to skiing to football. These transferable skills give them a solid foundation for excelling in other activities.
Get Your BMX Licence with AusCycling
Before your child can race at any BMX track across Australia, they’ll need a BMX racing licence through AusCycling. AusCycling offers different types of memberships and licences, depending on whether your child is just starting or wants to compete regularly.
You can apply for an AusCycling BMX licence here. This licence ensures your child is covered for insurance and gives them access to racing at BMX tracks across Australia.
The Benefits of Regular Practise at Local BMX Tracks
Consistent practise on the gate is key to becoming a strong BMX rider. By regularly attending training sessions at your local BMX track, your child can refine their skills with the help of experienced coaches and riders. BMX tracks across Australia offer a great environment for your child to practise, learn from others, and build the confidence needed to excel in races.
At BMX clubs like RCBMX in Alice Springs and many others around Australia, you'll find supportive and encouraging atmospheres for riders of all ages and abilities. These coaching sessions are designed to help your child improve their technique and have fun while they’re at it!
Final Thoughts: Mastering the BMX Gate Start
Teaching your kids how to balance on the BMX gate is an essential step in their BMX racing journey. With patience, consistent practise, and some simple at-home exercises, they’ll develop the balance and confidence they need to excel on the track.
Whether they’re racing at RCBMX in Alice Springs, BMX tracks in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or anywhere across Australia, mastering the gate start will give them a competitive edge and help them enjoy the thrill of BMX racing. Encourage them to keep practising and, most importantly, have fun!
Don’t forget to get your child their
AusCycling BMX licence and start their BMX journey today!
