How to Do a Standing Back Flip from the Ground

Flipping Safely and Responsibly

Consider finding an instructor. The safest way to learn how to back flip is under the tutelage of a qualified instructor. An instructor can teach you the best technique, ensuring that you learn how to back flip safely, using the correct form. You can find instructors with experience in back flips at gymnastics and cheerleading centers, or martial arts classes.

Use a crash mat. If you decide to go ahead with teaching yourself how to back flip at home, then please use a crash mat. This will give you something soft to land on and potentially help you to avoid serious injury in case of a botched landing. You should also practice your back flip on ground that has a bit of give (like grass) as this will absorb some of the shock when you land.

Enlist the help of a friend. It's also a good idea to have a friend or family member (who you trust) on hand to help you as you learn to back flip. This person can spot you, by placing one hand on your back and one hand on the back of your thighs, helping you to feel more secure as you flip. They can also be there just to watch you, encourage you and pick out any flaws in your form.

Training Exercises

Practice rolling forwards and backwards. The first exercise you should do in preparation for your back flip is to practice doing forward and backwards rolls. Make sure that you are rolling in a straight line, not tilting sideways. If it helps, you can roll down an incline mat (or slightly downhill) at first. This will help you to become comfortable with the rolling body movement and with being upside down.

Practice jumping. Possibly the most important part of performing a back flip is the ability to jump high off the ground. Therefore, it's a good idea to practice your jumping technique and improve your jumping height as much as possible. To begin with, just practice jumping straight off the ground. Bend your knees and swing your arms to build momentum and get as much lift as possible. Then, you can practice jumping onto different surfaces, such as a bed, a box or a counter top - anything as long as it's above waist height. Jump onto the surface, landing in a sitting position, then (if you have space) tuck your knees and continue into a backward roll.

Use a chin-up bar. A chin-up bar can be a really helpful tool in your back flip preparation, as it allows you to practice your tucking movement. Use a chin-up bar with a height somewhere above your head, which you have to jump in order to reach. Jump and grab the bar, then tuck your knees as tightly to your chest as possible. Though it's tempting, do not throw your head back If you want, continue all the way through your arms and land back on your feet. This is the movement you will be trying to replicate when you perform an actual back flip.

Practice flipping on a trampoline. If you find that confidence is an issue and that your fear is preventing you from going through with the back flip, flipping on a trampoline is a good place to start, as you are guaranteed a soft landing even if you fall! Use the trampolines at a trampoline center, where you have much more space and there are qualified instructors to help you. Backyard trampolines are too small and can be dangerous. First, practice flipping when you are at the height of a large bounce. The trampoline will propel you into the air, giving you more time to complete the back flip than you would when flipping from the ground. Next, try to practice your flip from a standing position on the trampoline. Once you've got that down, you're ready to try a back flip from the ground.

Completing a Back Flip

Warm up. Back flipping is a fairly strenuous activity, and it's pretty easy to strain a muscle if you're not careful. Make sure your body is fully warmed up before you flip, and pay special attention to stretching out your core, legs, ankles, arms, wrists and neck.

Stand on your toes. Stand with your feet approximately one shoulder width apart, then rise up onto your toes and stretch your arms straight into the air. Remember to keep your back straight (so your body is perpendicular to the ground) and your eyes facing straight ahead. Standing on your toes will allow you to get more power in your jump and will also help you to achieve good form.

Bend your knees and throw your arms back. Bend your knees until they form a 90 degree angle - any more or less will cause you to lose power. As you bend, swing your arms backwards as far as possible. Make sure they are straight.

Jump straight up into the air. Here's the scary part - the jump! Jump straight into the air, as high as possible, swinging your arms to create momentum. Don't throw your head and arms backwards - this is incorrect and could cause injury. Instead, point your hands straight up and focus your eyes straight ahead. You should also avoid arching your back, which needs to be as straight as possible. Contracting your stomach muscles helps.

Tuck your knees. Tucking your knees will create the backwards momentum necessary to complete the flip. So, when you reach the peak of your jump, draw your knees as close to your chest as possible and wrap your arms around them. The harder you tuck, the faster you will spin. At this point you need to really commit to the flip - you can't panic or lose concentration - otherwise you might land on your head, which could result in serious injury. Note that your head should still be in a neutral position, in line with your spine. It should not be thrown back.

Spot your landing. About halfway through the flip, when you are completely upside down, you need to spot your landing. This will help you land safely and make a successful backflip. Spotting your landing should come natural. You can do this by tilting your head back just far enough so you can see the ground. Try to pick out the exact spot you'll land on, as this will help you to gauge when to come out of your tuck.

Untuck and land firm. Once you've spotted your landing, let go of your knees and prepare to land. Be aware that landing from a back flip places the same amount of stress on your legs as jumping from a height of five feet. Therefore, you will need to land firmly to ensure that your legs don't crumple beneath you. You can do this by tensing your muscles and squeezing your legs together. The landing can be a little tricky - so don't worry if you land on your hands and knees the first couple of times. A good landing will come with practice.