How to Forward Flip
Gymnasts use various flips and jumps during competitions, and one of the most common jump stunts they perform is the forward flip or the front flip. When you look at it, it looks pretty simple, but mastering it is harder than you think. Here’s how to do this properly.
What You’ll Need:
Comfortable gymnastics clothes
Clutter-free area
Trampoline or springboard
Spotter
Procedure:
If it’s your first time to try doing a forward flip, ask another person to watch you. In case an accident occurs, there will be someone to help you.
Try doing a front flip on a springboard or a trampoline before you do it on solid ground. This will help orient you on the proper position, so you’ll feel more comfortable when you perform the flip on the ground. Once you’re ready, find a spacious area, such as a grassy lawn, where you can practice.
Get into your jumping position. Raise your arms over your head, bend your knees, then pull your rib cage up, as if you’re deeply breathing.
Jump, going straight up. Help yourself by pulling your arms behind your body. As you come near the peak of the jump, throw your arms forward. Pull them forward, then downwards. Later on, when you’re good enough at doing the forward flip, you can skip this completely.
Curl into a ball, by pulling your knees into your chest. This will give you more rotational power.
As soon as you’re coming back to the right-side up position, untuck your legs from your chest, uncurling your body.
When you land, put your feet on the ground firmly, at least a shoulder’s width apart. Bend your knees slightly, and use your arms so you’re balanced, and won’t fall backwards or forwards.
Some Tips:
To get the momentum for the jump, sprint. As you reach your top speed, begin the flip.
Look straight ahead while you’re in the tuck.
Before you come out of the tuck, make sure that you’ve rotated fully, so you can land correctly.
A good forward flip looks great when done properly and safely. Just follow these tips and keep practicing, and soon you’ll master this move!