How to Do the FMX Back Flip Trick

At one time considered the coup de grace or holy grail of all Freestyle Motocross (FMX) tricks, the Back Flip was one challenge attempted by many before successfully completed. Now it's been replaced by a Double Back Flip, but if you think that's makes the original any easier, think again. This remains one of the most difficult tricks and is continuously added with other tricks to increase its difficulty level even more.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice with a foam pit. Back when FMX Back Flips were first being attempted, some riders would jump over a pool of water, but for a much safer practice run, use a foam pit. Once you're successfully doing the trick and landing correctly in the pit, then try it without the pit.

    • 2

      Check the jump setup. It's important to know every inch of the ramp, track and landing area to see if any adjustments need to be made in any of these areas or within your bike or the trick itself. Any time you're attempting the trick somewhere new, inspect the jump area thoroughly before taking your first run.

    • 3

      Get a good takeoff. Right before you lift off, your going to learn forward slightly on the handlebars and give the bike some extra gas. Once you get more used to doing FMX Back Flips you should be able to feel if the takeoff is right and if it ever feels wrong in any way, abort the jump.

    • 4

      Pull back, lean back and hang on. Once you're in the air, pull back on the handlebars while leaning back in the seat. If you've mastered controlling your motorcycle, you may also be able to push with your legs to flip faster and more accurately. To do a complete rotation, the bike must be fully inverted and flip completely over. Hang on throughout this rotation unless you're varying the trick where you'll do it without hands or what's called an FMX No Handed Back Flip.

    • 5

      Prepare for the all important landing. Many riders have crashed on the landing when first attempting this trick. This is why it's so important to practice over a foam pit in the beginning. Until you can nail the landing consecutively, it's better to ride safe then chance breaking bones. If you've rotated correctly, you and the bike should be positioned to land.

    • 6

      Land the bike. Sometimes the hardest part of this trick is landing accurately. If you haven't completed the full revolution before the bike starts coming down, then you're going to be pressed for time to position the bike so you can land with the back tires hitting slightly before the front. And, it's a good way to wind up landing on your head.

    • 7

      Vary or combine a flip for further death defying action. The FMX Back Flip has been combined with almost every other trick including the Cordova, Heel Clicker, Nac Nac, Hart Attack, Superman, Superman Seat Grab, Cliffhanger, Whip and much more. There's also variations where you do it One Handed, No Handed or No Footed or do two Back Flips in a row.