How to Front Flip and Land on Your Feet

The front flip is a difficult skill to master but when performed correctly it is a great way for a gymnast to show power and control. Controlling the body all the way through the front flip is key to successfully landing on your feet and wowing spectators. The front flip is performed on many gymnastic events and apparatus, so practicing this skill can be very beneficial for any gymnast.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin the front flip with a running start of four to five steps. This will build up the speed and power you will need to control your body throughout the flip.

    • 2

      Hurdle at the end of your running start to begin the takeoff of the flip. A hurdle is a step and skip move that builds momentum to help launch the body with power.

    • 3

      End the hurdle on the balls of your feet, extend your arms over your head and straighten the body.

    • 4

      Jump into the air with your arms slightly behind your head like you were about to throw a ball. This is known as the punch.

    • 5

      Straighten your arms over your head as you begin to leave the ground. Use the same motion and power that you would to throw a soccer ball over your head. This will cause the body to begin flipping in the air.

    • 6

      Tuck your knees to your chest as your hips begin to go over your head. This tuck move will generate the force needed to complete the flip so you can land on your feet. If you tuck too fast, you will not have time to straighten your legs for the landing. Control the tuck to a medium speed to avoid under and over shooting the landing.

    • 7

      Land on your feet by straightening your body after the tuck. Do not over-straighten your legs; you want slightly bent knees to absorb the impact of the landing. Just as if you had thrown a ball, your arms should be out in front of you and parallel to the ground.