Learn how to do a backflip!

If you want to take your trampoline jumping fun to the next level you should learn how to do a backflip! Mastering this cool, but difficult move, will not only make you feel great but will also impress your friends!

The right trampoline

You don’t have to be a gymnast, an acrobat, or into parkour, to learn how to do a backflip. However, you must make sure you have the right equipment. A suitably big trampoline with a robust netting or enclosure will help to make sure you do not hurt yourself.  The North Explorer rectangular or oval-shaped trampolines provide the perfect setting to practice your backflip.  Learning to jump safely and with confidence in the right space is very important.

The groundwork

Before you start any kind of flipping you should make sure your basic jumps are high enough. Getting height in your jumps is the basis for performing any type of trick. Good core stability and strength in your legs will help you jump higher.

Learning how to land safely and getting the right landing position on each jump are also critical aspects of your training.  We also suggest that you master some of the simpler tricks, such as a back-drop or a back handspring, before you even consider attempting a backflip.

Learning any new move should, ideally, be done on a trampoline you are familiar with.  Not all trampolines feel the same or have the same bounce. Become familiar with your trampoline and use it for a while before you attempt your first backflip.   This will help you avoid injury.

Learning how to do a backflip needs confidence, patience and lots of practice.

Learn how to do a backflip

If you are ready and have prepared, then let’s begin.

Step 1 – The warm-up

Start by warming up. All exercise should start by properly warming up your muscles.  Warm muscles help prevent injury when doing any form of exercise, including jumping on a trampoline.  You can warm up by doing some simple stretches and simply jumping on your trampoline.

Step 2 – The positioning

Now you are ready to do a backflip.  Position yourself correctly on your trampoline. The correct position depends on the shape of your trampoline. On a rectangular or an oval trampoline, you should be at one end of the trampoline. On a round trampoline, you should be one or two steps away from the center of the trampoline.

Make sure your head is in the correct position to perform the trick. Your head should be in a neutral, forward-facing position. Do not look back diagonally or to the side; precision is key.

Step 3 – Getting the height

Start jumping with some height. Height is critical to get the momentum needed to successfully complete the trick. You need enough height to be able to flip yourself over.

Step 4 – Back-Flipping around

Once you have reached a good, controlled jump height and feel confident to execute the trick you are ready. Put your hands up and double-check your head is in the correct, neutral position.

Throw your arms up and look up to the sky. Make sure you use your arms to gain momentum and propel you up and then around. This motion will help you protect your neck and land without hurting yourself. At the same time as lifting your arms up, use the momentum to lift your hips, shoulders and body behind you in a swinging motion.  Your weight should be in your legs.

Tucking your knees into your chest, whilst keeping them apart, might be an easier option than flipping with straight legs.  You can progress onto straight legs when you are ready.

Step 5 – The backflip landing

Initially, you can land your backflip on your hands and knees. You can then progress this to land on your hands and feet. Eventually, you will be able to land just on your feet.

Make sure that you give yourself enough time to get comfortable with each part of the process.

Important Safety Tips

It is important that you always practice trampolining safely. This is especially important when you learn how to do a backflip.

• Always have someone with you who knows how to do a backflip and guide you. Never practice tricks, particularly a backflip alone.
• Know your limits. Don’t be too bold and overestimate your abilities when learning a new trick.
• Learn to fall correctly to help prevent injury
• Only practice on a suitable trampoline with excellent safety features.  The trampoline springs should be covered and inaccessible to the jumper. The trampoline should have an intact, closed netting around it to prevent falls. Adequate padding should be wrapped around any hard parts of the trampoline to prevent injury.

At Jump Fitness Dubai, we supply trampolines of all shapes and sizes in the UAE and Dubai. Our trampolines are from the brand North Trampolines. All of the trampolines have, have exceptional safety features. The innovative jumping mat provides an epic bounce with 40% more airtime than other garden trampolines. The Swedish-designed North Trampolines are top quality and built to last.