backflip

A backflip, or back somersault, is a backward rotation in the air initiated from a jump, usually landing on the feet. It is a common element in artistic gymnastics, parkour, freerunning, and dance.

Technique: begin from standing or running; swing the arms up and back; jump off the ground, extend the legs; tuck or pike to increase angular momentum; rotate backward; re-spot the landing by watching the ground as you untuck; extend the body and absorb landing with knees bent.

Variations: back tuck (tight tucked position); layout (straight body); pike (knees bent with body compact); twists add rotation around the vertical axis; double or triple flips are performed by trained athletes.

Safety and training: requires progressions and supervision; practice on padded mats with a spotter; common progressions include backward roll, backward handspring, then back tuck; risk includes head and neck injuries and wrist/ankle sprains; proper conditioning and warm-up are essential.

In competition and sport, backflips are common in artistic gymnastics floor routines and vault events, and in parkour as a maneuver for obstacle navigation.