How To Do Clap Hops

Learning how to do Clap Hops requires, like most breakdancing moves, a ton of balance and upper body strength. A Clap Hop is yet another move in a long line of B-boying maneuvers that borderlines on the insanely difficult. As you know, moves are created in breakdancing for two reasons. The first reason is to captivate your audience, and the second is to one up your opponent. The breaker that can pull off a Clap Hop, or multiple Clap Hops is basically showing off the fact that they have mastered the art of balance and that they are in great physical condition. Put it this way. You can't even attempt a Clap Hop if you can't do a handstand. What's even more wild is the fact that some B-boys have even been able to do Clap Hops while in some of the most physically demanding maneuvers in breakdancing. Imagine A breaker doing a one handed Clap Hop after posing in a "Reverse Air Baby". It has been done. Well, you have to crawl before you do any of that crazy stuff, so here's how to pull off a Clap Hop.

1. The handstand. B-boys pull off Clap Hops in a variety of different balancing acts where they are holding themselves up with their hands. For the novices out there, we'll focus on doing a basic Clap Hop. Once you can pull off the easier move, you can progress on to harder and harder breaking scenarios. Well, first things first. Get into your handstand position. Start out in the push up position with your knees on the ground. Your arms should be slightly further than shoulder length apart. You elbows should be facing outward, slightly towards your rear. the palms of your hands should be facing outward and away from your body with your fingers spread for balance. 
2. Lift up. Lean forward and push your legs to the sky. You may need to arch your back to assist you in balance. You can choose to extend your legs if you wish but it isn't necessary. As long as you can hold this pose for a decent amount of time you're cool. You're definitely ready if you can do a few push ups in this position.
3. The push off. It's time to do your claps. You need to quickly lower then push yourself off of the ground. Simple right? Heck no! You asked for it. Anyway, push yourself off of the ground. When you get airborne, you have to clap your hands and return to your starting position. the penalty for not completing this motion fast enough is landing on your face. Make sure you try this on a mat first.
4. Even harder. After you've mastered doing the Clap Hop on two hands, guess what? You can move on to trying it while balancing on one hand. Needless to say it's exponentially more difficult. If you can't balance on one hand you can't attempt this move. If you want to learn it however, go back and learn how to a one handed handstand first.