How to get rid of the fear of flipping backwards?

Question

I'm tryin to do a backtuck and i jus can't get rid of the fear of flipping backwards.

Answer 1

First of all, can you do a more basic backward trick like a back handspring? If not, it's best to start there. Or better yet start with a back walkover then progress to a back handspring. These elements will help you become more comfortable with the sensation of moving backward but still give you the security of knowing that your arms will catch your weight before your head hits the ground. Second of all, do your legs have enough physical strength to propel you high enough into the air to complete a flip? If not work on building your leg and abdominal strength.

Whenever you are learning a new trick it's best to have someone "spot" you. This means that they assist you in completing the flip safely. The spotter should be strong enough to support you. They put one hand behind your back - this will help you get enough height to complete the flip - and the other one behind your hamstring - this will help you rotate your legs over your head. If you are really timid you can have two spotters help you - one standing on each side of you. As you become more confident in your ability, the spotter(s) can give you less and less assistance.

No matter what you do, do NOT bail out in the middle of attempting the flip. Otherwise you will fall on your head.

Answer 2

I don't like flipping backwards either. A good way to get past this fear is to take tumbling classes and use a harness that will allow you to flip backwards while being fully supported. It'll help you to feel more comfortable with the idea and get a good feeling for how your body feels when flipping backwards. Then you'll be able to do it without the harness.

Answer 3

Try an astrojump (inflatable play pen). I had the same problem as you but using an astrojump helped me do backflips without being too afraid. Now, trying to do a backflip from the ground is still just about impossible for me, but i heard if you had people guide you by placing one of their hands in the front of your chest and one in the back as they bolstered your back flip, the security of someone helping you takes away a lot of fear. To actually learn how to do a back flip will require tremendous amount of confidence and flexibility as well as good reflexes when you get your back hand spring down!

ps... you will also have to kick your feet back while youre up in the air hard enough to give you a flip!

Answer 4

try getting used to fallling backwards before trying to get used to filping back like take your bed and jump back with eyes close onto bed, put lots into it. and when you have no fear in that move to a different form of falling/flipping back

Answer 5

Practice it on the diving board at a swimming pool. If you mess it up might sting a little but not a big deal. Not the same as doing it on land but will help you to get used to the motion.

Answer 6

There's a yoga pose called the wheel. Try that. And even if you don't flip...you'll feel amazing after this pose.

Answer 7

Heve someone help you flip on mat and keep doing it until you get confident enough to do it yourself

Answer 8

well i was in gym and start on the trap and jump up and down then land on your back. then i would get into gymnastics because you will hurt your self if you dont. and go for a better guy that is strong if you are heavy. hope it helps.

Answer 9

first try putting a mattress or something very soft behind you. and try flipping on it, and dont rush your self! just dont put scary thoughs in your head adn just go.. befor flipping dry backwalkover [ if you cand o those] they allways help me beofr flipping. and make sure to stretch first. you dont want to hurt youself!!

Answer 10

So do it on a soft mat until you can do it right. What's the worst that could happen?