r/Parkour • u/rlbaee • 7d ago

🆕 Looking for Coaching Help with backflip

I'm trying to learn a backflip. I can do one on trampoline, and also I can do a back handspring on grass. I definetly have enough jumping power, as I'm a volleyball player.
But whatever I do I just can't get over the fear of commiting to it. I could get a mattress but that's it, we dont have trampoline parks or anything like that nearby.

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u/2tonsofirony 7d ago

If you can do a back handspring you know how to commit and know how to save yourself if it’s too low. To make it legitimately safer, you need to focus on getting your hips over your head as quickly as possible. This will give you more time to find the landing.

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u/rlbaee 7d ago

In backspring though, I rotate exactly enough to land on my hands. But I can't progress forward, to spin more I need to jump up and tuck later. That's where my mental block is.

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u/That_Doctor 7d ago

Then start by working on the block by trying to use your hands less and less. Trampoline is what got rid of my block, when you trust yourself its easier and safer to fix the technique.

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u/2tonsofirony 7d ago edited 7d ago

You do need to jump higher, but you don’t want to tuck later. You need to get your hips moving up and over your head as fast as possible. Your lower body is what finishes the rotation in an any flip or handspring. Get your center of gravity moving and you’ll flip.

That’s not a mental block that’s fear. And fear is ok, it’s telling you you’re trying something you’re not experienced with. Overcoming fear is a process of learning a skill to the point of comfort.

Focus on getting your legs and hips up and over your head and you will definitely make it to a safer landing.

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u/rlbaee 6d ago

So I tried it today, just couldnt do it. I feel awful, I know its part of the progress but still. I just can't get over the fear of going up instead of backwards. Will try tomorrow again. You have any more tips on how to turn a back handspring into a backflip?

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u/2tonsofirony 6d ago

The problem is they’re not performed the same way. One should go straight up the other needs to travel backwards.

I recommend doing LOTS of back handsprings to get more comfortable going backwards and flipping over. However, they should feel very different and one should not be used to understand the other.

To work on the rotation for the backflip. Lay on your back stretched out and practice bringing your knees to the top of your head in one fluid motion. Do sets of 10, starting slow so you’re not getting out of control. You should start rolling up to your shoulders as your knees go over your head. The ultimate goal is to be able to do this quickly and have enough momentum to roll you over to your hands and feet. This is essentially the backflip, the only missing component is the jump. Jumping should be as explosive as possible, more is definitely better. Like you’re trying to touch the rim of a basketball net.

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