How to Do a Good Tic-Tac Parkour

Parkour, invented in France in the 1990s, has spread to other parts of Europe and to the United States. It is an extreme sport that requires great stamina, focus, creativity and control. Although the language of parkour is limited, several maneuvers have names. Two basic maneuvers in parkour are the cat leap, which describes the moves used to scale walls, and the tic-tac.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a wall or other flat, mostly vertical surface on which to practice the tic-tac. You can start with a perfectly vertical wall, but it will be easier to begin practicing on a wall that is at less than a 90-degree angle from the ground.

    • 2

      Stand at a 90-degree angle to the wall, so that the wall is at your side.

    • 3

      Begin running at a fast and even pace. Initially run a few steps away from the wall, then curve your path toward it. The more momentum you build up, the farther and higher you will be able to move after you kick off the wall.

    • 4

      Keep your movements brisk and fluid. They should flow smoothly from one movement to the next.

    • 5

      Jump off the ground with your left foot as you approach the wall, if the wall is on your right side. If the wall is on your left side, push yourself off the ground with your right foot.

    • 6

      Kick off the wall with your right foot if the wall is on your right side. This will propel you in the opposite direction of the wall. If the wall is to your left, kick off it with your left foot. Again, make your movements fluid and seamless.

    • 7

      Practice approaching the wall from different speeds and angles to become familiar with the methods you need to use to achieve specific purposes. For example, you may need more velocity if you are going to proceed into a cat leap on an opposing wall.