Topic: Front Flips

[NParson09]

I can easily do a front flip on a trampoline and am wanting to start doing them on grass. My question is, should I start on flat ground or jumping off of something about 3 feet high or so?

[Jake Chess]

Off then ground. And I highly recommend using a mattress as well.

[Alec Furtado]

Ideally... find a gym and practice on the spring floor (in my opinion).

[Jake Chess]

^^
This is true. You should always do something like flips and whatnot in a gym or where there are people who you know are certified and know how to properly execute the given movement.

Gyms cost money however, so if you cannot get to one or pay for it. Practice on flat soft surface with a mattress just in case.

[Justin "Rabbit" Oakes]

check out the 3Run tutorial on youtube... it helped me out a ton.. basically says to go into it like you stepping on glass.. very soft feet.. nice and smooth..

[ctparkour]

if theres grass near you that goes into a short steep hill then parctice there

[Joshua Pagan]

i find it easier to flip if instead of doing the normal, over head and forward with the arms, have your arms come up from your waist outward in front of you... if that makes sence

[Oopsmyleg]

I would suggest off of something to begin so you can get used to the tuck and feel of the flip.  The more and more you practice than the less height you should need.  I started on flat ground in my backyard and almost have it perfect now so no matter how or where you do it practice will make perfect.  Good Luck!

[KSLee106]

Hi, I'm also trying to learn how to do a front flip on a flat surface. Its been a few weeks since I started and I can pretty much complete one rotation. The problem is that I keep landing really low and can never really rotate quickly so I usually have to use my hands to keep myself from falling backwards when I land. I would greatly appreciate some help with this. 

[Fyrel]

Sounds like you need more height. Work on your block and remember to go UP while flipping.

[KSLee106]

Ive been trying that recently. But it doesnt seem to help with the rotation speed seeing as I still am not able to land solely on my feet. About how high would one normally jump for the tuck? Because i have a 2 foot vertical (from volleyball) but i know that i am not maxing out my jump. Would running faster help with the speed? It seems like a higher speed would provide a greater forward momentum which could provide a faster rotation

[Fyrel]

Your head will lead your body. Look ahead and slightly up during the jump, and make sure you don't get your hands behind your head, but over your head and slightly bent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsg1Xak07jI

That might help.

[KSLee106]

ahh... This helped a bunch! Thanks!
It does seem a little easier but I'll have to go through it a bunch before it starts to take a lot of effect.  Practice makes perfect after all. 
I did notice one thing though, even when the feet are placed farther out in front, it doesn't seem like you guys lose a whole lot of traction on the floor. Does a gymnastics floor provide a non slip surface that allows for a farther extension of the legs? Also, I know that the floor has some rebound to it.  How much of a difference does it make in the height of the flips compared to outside on say grass or concrete?
Sorry for all the questions, I just really want to peform this flip well.

[Fyrel]

It's just good displacement of the force; gymnastics floors tend to do have some good spring to it but it's really the same technique. I personally started out on grass because it was softer, but a better method I think is to find a place where grass and concrete merge. Start off on the concrete, land on the grass.

[Cole Jackson]

        Really use your hands. When you get ready to flip swing them up to about head level. Then as you punch off the ground into the flip, be looking slightly above the tree line (kind of a personal preference. Point is keep your vision up.), throw your hands up. This "throw" should be like throwing a basketball over-handed. Act like your throwing this ball really hard in an arc that's roughly 45 degrees...if that makes any sense lol 


Hope this helps 

[KSLee106]

Still tryin to get it..
I put up a recording of me doin the flip. If you guys dont mind, can you take a look at the video and give me some tips? I tried a lot of the things that were posted on this thread and they do help but Im still just barely landing it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUNjhvtgQRs

Edit: New YouTube account. Changed the video link to the new one^^

[Zac Scanlon]

It seems to me that your not getting enough vertical but your rotation seems to be great. I mean even without that your seems impressive to me. Formation seems fine but what do i know ha . Give your self more of a jump by bending your knees and jumping from the balls of your feet. At least that is how i was taught.

[Fyrel]

You're putting your hands behind your head, limiting your height. when you move them up to flip, don't put them behind your head but above your head and in front of it, then throw 45 degrees in front of you before tucking. More of a run doesn't hurt either; it's usually easier to block with more speed.

[Cole Jackson]

You're putting your hands behind your head, limiting your height. when you move them up to flip, don't put them behind your head but above your head and in front of it, then throw 45 degrees in front of you before tucking. More of a run doesn't hurt either; it's usually easier to block with more speed.

     Exactly! And dont open up so soon. Hold that tuck just a second longer.

[KSLee106]

Thanks!
All of this does make a lot of sense. I havent been able to try this as the weather hasnt been the best here and Ive been kind of busy. But the next chance I get I will definately try those things out.
Now if I were to do this off of a height would I want to keep the tuck tight and untuck earlier or just not tuck tightly at all and rotate slower?