How to Coach a Backflip

Gymnastics can be an entertaining sport to watch, as many gymnasts are able to move their bodies in ways the average person cannot. One of the more spectacular stunts performed in many gymnastic routines is the backflip --- a move in which athletes flip their legs over in the air to land in a standing position. If you are a gymnastics coach, it is important to teach beginning gymnasts the proper technique for doing a backflip so they do not injure themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • In-floor trampoline
  • Practice mat
  • Training belt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask the gymnasts to bounce on an in-floor trampoline and land backward onto a large mat, placed on one end of the trampoline. Have them repeat this several times until they feel comfortable with the idea of falling backward.

    • 2

      Ask the gymnasts to repeat this falling-backward motion, but this time bending the knees so they land on their back with their knees in the air. This prepares them for the backflip, which requires a bent-knee position.

    • 3

      Attach a training belt to the gymnasts to secure them as they attempt their first backflip. These belts secure the gymnasts, giving them support that allows them to practice their form. When the belts are attached, ask the students to bounce high in the air, throw their arms up and bend their knees into their chests. Tell the students to lean backwards when they bring their knees to their chests, so the jump turns into a backflip. The training belt will support them as they complete this initial backflip.

    • 4

      Ask the gymnasts to repeat this move, this time grabbing their shins and pulling themselves into a backwards roll. Use the training belt to help guide them. The gymnasts should not reach down to grab their shins, but instead push their knees upward to meet their extended arms.

    • 5

      Instruct the gymnasts to practice the jump from step four until they have achieved perfect form. The perfect backflip form requires gymnasts to jump straight in the air, bending their knees up to meet the chest with their arms straight in the air. The knees must stay tucked in until the gymnast has completed the flip. Remove the training belts when the gymnasts feel comfortable enough to go without it, and allow them to complete backflips on their own. Make sure the gymnasts know to never lean forward or hesitate halfway through the jump.