How to Land a Backflip on a Trampoline

A trampoline backflip should never be attempted with others on the trampoline with you.

Trampolines are popular sources of recreation for families with older children who can be trusted to safely use the equipment. Trampolines utilize a tightly stretched fabric, attached to a metal frame by springs, to provide those who jump on the trampoline with a great deal of extra upward momentum. While those using a trampoline for the first time may take time just to get used to the unique feeling of the ground giving way on landings, and thrusting up on jumps, once a jumper gets the hang of the trampoline, the extra height allows for enjoyable tricks like back flips to be performed.

Things You'll Need

• Trampoline

Instructions

1. Practice jumping onto your back and then bouncing back onto your feet without flipping over. This will get you acclimated to jumping up and rotating backwards, which can be an unnatural feeling.

2. Add a backwards rotation to the back drop by jumping onto your back, then throwing your feet over your head as you bounce. This will get you used to your feet passing over your head, which can likewise be a disconcerting feeling at first.

3. Build up a sizable bounce in the center of the trampoline by jumping up and down until you are jumping several feet above the trampoline.

4. Hop forward when you have reached your maximum height, landing near about two feet from the edge of the trampoline, and explode up with your legs and arch your back while throwing your hands over your head to begin the back flip. Your momentum will carry you back toward the center of the trampoline.

5. Kick your legs over your head as you reach the top of the jump so that they pass over your head and come back around beneath you as you are landing. Tucking your legs will allow for a quicker spin, while extending them straight creates a slower spin. There is no "right" speed to spin at, as every jumper will require a different pace of rotation to prevent from over or under rotating.

6. Aim your gaze "up" relative to your head as your feet are above your head in the flip, so that you are viewing the trampoline throughout the rotation. Keeping your eyes on the trampoline will allow you to "see" yourself into the landing, the same way a receiver is told to see the ball into their hands. The bearing granted by seeing the trampoline will help you to keep from over- or under-rotating.

References

• YouTube: How to Do a Backflip on a Trampoline
• Tramp Tricks: Backflip