Topic: Backflips

[Metamort]

I want to learn to do a standing backflip so that I can feel comfortable moving on to higher backflips and wallflips, then eventually to frontflips and sideflips and twistflips and what have you.

So, I've heard that these are slightly easier than frontflips, and I've looked at a bunch of the tutorial videos and readings, but I still don't feel comfortable trying one, even on grass. It seems like they list nothing to do to prepare yourself first - they just tell you what to do when you do it. Is it possible to sustain very serious injury (like, broken bones and neck) from an improper backflip (not tucking enough, over-rotating, under-rotating, not enough jump height, and whatnot), or am I just scaring myself out of trying? And what does it mean to have a friend 'spot' you? Should I bring a bed matress outside and try it out on that?

My friend and I have been thinking of taking gymnastics as a preparation for doing flips, learning balance, and building muscle. Is this a good idea in your experiance?

Thanks for any feedback!

[Cody Beltramo]

Joining gymnastics would definitely be one of the best things you could do to learn flips.  Other than that, you could go to open gyms and get help from people with experience as well as practice in a safer environment.

[michael117]

yea go to open gym and it wiill be easy thats how i learned ..or have a friend spot you ,and then theirs a last choice and thats just go for it and its not scary once you get over it 

[NolanK13]

I have the same problem.  I would love to take gymnastics but the only 13 year old boy who I know that does it is hated by everyone.  I have thought about doing  and just hiding the fact that I do it.  I have also thought of getting a friend to spot me but I dont think I could trust any of my friends.

[Jeremy H]

It sounds like you already know what to do.
There is going to be a part that is simply getting over the fear and just doing it with full commitment.
Do not forget to jump.  Jump THEN flip, not jump AND flip.  There is a difference.

It might be a good idea to make sure you are comfortable with going backwards first (eg. use a trampoline).  You'll be using the wrong movement/technique on a trampoline as you would on the ground, but it would help you get over the fear.  Just remember you are using a different movement on the trampoline than you are on the ground and it isn't the same.

obviously, do it on grass or pads first.  I don't think you'd be stupid enough to try it on a hard surface, like concrete or something.
and make sure you have a good spotter who knows what to do.  also, make sure your spotter can spot you (ie. weighs more than you and is physically capable or properly spotting you).

[zayn]

im learning front flips and they're pretty easy but im not comfortable doing backflips(prbly because i tried one off a tree and it didnt go well, bout 5 yrs ago). ive got someone from a flip team on my parkour team, so yea id say go to open gyms, martial arts, gymnastic, or a flip team to learn.

[Jeremy H]

I'd also recommend learning on flat ground before doing a ton of them from height.  otherwise you might have some trouble learning to jump properly.

[zayn]

this is so true

I'd also recommend learning on flat ground before doing a ton of them from height.  otherwise you might have some trouble learning to jump properly.

[NolanK13]

Today I really got my friend into free running and I was hoping he could spot me.  He is probably a few ponds lighter than me.  Should he still be able to spot me alright?

[Jeremy H]

Today I really got my friend into free running and I was hoping he could spot me.  He is probably a few ponds lighter than me.  Should he still be able to spot me alright?

It really depends on how comfortable you are with backflips and how sure you are that you can perform it or nearly perform it on your own.

For reference, I weigh 170 lbs and won't spot someone who is doing thier first backflip unless they weigh less than 150 lbs.

After their first it really depends on how well they can do it.  Some people can do it on their own but just want a person there for extra safety reasons, in case they need just a little rotational help.

For your first one, you really don't know what you are capable of and how you will perform, so better safe than sorry.  I'd get someone who I'm sure can really spot me.

Either way, you need to commit to the trick and really try.  A spotter cannot do the trick for you (especcially if you're fighting the rotation), you need to fully commit to the jump and to the spin, and the spotter will provide the extra help you need for what you currently lack, so you can make it to your knees or to your feet.

[Yow]

Well I did my first backflip in gym mats a couple of months ago and I didn't do the flip fast enough which got me landing with my ankle. I think the problem with starting flips is the fear. For the moment you are in the air you are not used to your body being in any other position other than standing.

What I will do to get flips going is practice them in a pool so I can get used to the turns I need to do.