Instructions to Do a Backflip

Do a backflip and show off at the beach.

The backflip is one of the most common gymnastic tricks, but it still continues to be impressive. If you want to be able to show off to friends -- or even just experience the thrill of spinning around 360 degrees in the air -- with practice, you can learn how to do a successful backflip. Because of how complex this is for beginners, expect to spend awhile practicing.

Print this article

Instructions

- 1
  
  Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms high in the air.
- 2
  
  Swing your arms back and go into a crouch position. Despite your instinct, be sure to keep looking straight ahead.
- 3
  
  Throw your arms up and using their momentum, jump up. It is important that you jump straight in the air and not backwards.
- 4
  
  Lean backwards, as you reach the pinnacle of your jump.
- 5
  
  Keep your focus ahead and pull your knees up. This shift in weight will continue to push your body backwards.
- 6
  
  Pull your arms back down and tuck your knees under your hands. Your momentum will continue to rotate your body all the way around.
- 7
  
  Extend your knees for the landing, as your body starts to return to a perpendicular position.
- 8
  
  Land flat on your feet and allow your knees to bend to absorb the force of the landing.

Tips & Warnings

Always make sure that you have a spotter to help you, in case you run into trouble.
Give yourself plenty of open space. You don't want to accidentally hit something.

Suggest item