Cheat 900
Cheat 900
The Cheat 900 is a tornado kick that is preceded by a 360 to 540 degree spin. Taking off earlier makes it harder but also more respectable as a true Cheat 900.
Useful prerequisites
Pop Tornado
The Pop Tornado has a very similar leg switching motion, like the Cheat 900. It also helps to learn the Backside 900.
Backside 900
This trick is basically a Cheat 900 from both feet. It is not necessary but can be very helpful for you to understand the Cheat 9. It has the same amount of rotation and ends with the same kick.
Interrupted Cheat 9
This step can help a lot if you have trouble, getting the right spinning axis right. It’s a Cheat 9 where you a small hopstep before you switch your legs for the kick. If you practice this motion over and over again, eventually you should be able to do it without the step.
01 Tornado
Even though the name suggests a bigger amount of rotation then the Cheat 720, it is not a necessary prerequisite to this trick. A good tornado kick is way more important.
02 360 degree spin
What you need to add to your Tornado Kick to turn it into a Cheat 9, is at least a 360 degree spin. Practice jumping and spinning in place. You should be able to complete one full rotation without stumbling over when you land.
03 One footed
This time jump from only one foot and land on that same foot. You need to use your outside leg, which is your round kick leg. As you jump, keep your other knee up the whole time. Stay as upright as possible, so you won’t lose your balance when you land. Spot forward and not down. Use your arms and your upper too, so you can spin around better.
04 switching legs
Now do the same but switch your legs upon landing. This Step can be a bit hard from standing but imagine if you can do this flawlessly from standing, then it should be extremely easy once you add the cheat setup.
05 into chamber
Try to land in a chambered position for this next step. You should face your target and your hip should point sideways, ready to fire a round kick.
06 stationary C9
You can now try to add the kick to last progression, basically doing a cheat 900 from standing, without the cheat setup.
07 adding the setup
When you add the Cheat Setup to the progression #5, it should become quite a bit easier, as you can carry some momentum into the spin.
08 adding the kick (C9)
Now put all together. It’s very important that you spot forwards at your target, when you begin the spin. That will help to keep you upright and to get a better kick out. Swing your arms wide into the setup and then bring them in for the spin.
Tips
If you’re kick is coming out low or you need to put your hand down after the kick, you may be leaning into the direction of momentum too much. Or you are even inverting a little bit. Try not to swing your non kicking leg to the side too much. Instead direct it’ momentum straight upwards. You can get all the spinning momentum from your arms and upper body.
Spot your target as fast as you can. Once when you lift off and second when you turn around for the kick. If you wait too long for the second spot or if you’re not spotting at all, your kick may come out low or your body will spin off axis.
If you’re kick is coming out too early, or you can’t complete the full spin, it may help to go back to the progressions and practice the spinning stationary. Another common mistake, that leads to underrotation, is when your upper body leans away from the direction of momentum when you lift off. That will counter your spin and you won’t be able to come around. Record yourself and look closely if your upper body is upright and vertical or leaning away from your travel momentum.
Again you need to be upright and spotting your target in order to stay as vertical as possible. Drill the progressions and focus hard on staying vertical.