How to Do a Backflip on Rollerblades

Whether you skate half-pipes or urban parks, the backflip's a great addition to your bag of inline skating tricks. It's challenging, which is why it always receives a positive reaction from onlookers and passers-by. Pulling this off can get you pumped for bigger tricks and increase your cred among other skaters. Although it looks easy, doing a backflip can be dangerous. Don't try it without wearing a helmet and other protective gear.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide whether you're going to approach the flip skating forward or backward. If you're doing one over stairs or off of a wall, skate backward. If you're using a ramp, pipe or other transition to get air, skate forward.

2. Ride toward the transition carrying moderate speed. Generally, the faster you skate the higher you'll fly, but don't go so fast that you lose control and miss time the jump.

3. Jump from the transition when you're positioned to get the most air. For example, when you are heading forward off a traditional ramp, wait until you're near the lip to jump.

4. Swing your arms above and behind your head to start the flip. At the same time, throw your head backward and look for the ground while you're in the air.

5. Tighten up your core muscles and legs to spin faster. Drawing your legs into a tuck position also helps speed up your rotation.

6. Land with your inline skates shoulder-width apart and flat on the ground. Compress your legs to absorb the impact of the jump. If you hit an especially large transition, you'll need to crouch down a lot to land the backflip safely.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice the backflip off of a diving board or on grass before trying it on your skates.

Resources

• Here's a good clip of a guy backflipping down a set of stairs.

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