How to Do a Standing Backflip

Standing back flips or back tucks can be difficult to master. Before you attempt to do a stunt such as this, it's important to have someone to help you. Make sure that your helper, otherwise known as a spotter, has experience with back flips and knows the proper technique. Your spotter can help point out mistakes you might make during your back flip.

Things You'll Need

  • Spotter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and your abs tight. Start with your arms pointing upward. They should be next to your ears. Before you begin the back flip, pick a focal point. This point should be straight ahead of you. Never look at the ground when you are performing your flip or you will lose your nerve and could possibly injure yourself.

    • 2

      Drop your arms in front of you and then down next to your thighs and then behind you. Do this in one fluid motion for momentum. Squat as you do this but don't allow yourself to squat any lower than a 90-degree angle. Begin to swing your arms forward and then upward so they guide you and jump as you do this. Always jump straight up, not backward, as you might land on your head. Make sure that a spotter is present at this point to help you with the rotation. A spotter can help hold you back and guide you in your flip.

    • 3

      Pull yourself backward as you reach the height of your jump, and let your arms guide you. Slightly arch your back to go backward. As you arch your back, bring up your knees so that you are at another 90-degree angle. Bring your arms down to your knees when you begin your rotation and hold them there. Some people prefer to grab the backs of their thighs or ankles. Either way is effective. Keep looking directly in front of you. Don't try to look for the ground at this point.

    • 4

      Prepare to extend your legs when you see the ground. The ground becomes your focal point as you make the rotation. Land with your entire foot, not just your toes. If you land on your toes, this indicates that you didn't have enough height with your jump.