How do I learn the backflip?

[Daniel Miller]

I'd like to be able to do a backflip and think it might be a reasonable goal.

First question is, how old is to old to learn it?

Second question, do I need a partner or assistance?

I've always been able to do pretty big back flips and in multiple reps while on a trampoline. Diving boards aren't a problem either. Any suggestions?

[Greg Everett]

jump straight up. tuck knees to chest hard. land on feet.

hardest part of back flips is nadding up to try it the first time. mechanically they're really easy.

i learned by jumping off the grass edge into a sand volleyball court. first someone held my hips and i jumped up and tucked basically against his shoulder. then he moved to the side and spotted me. took some shit talking to get me to do it, but once i had done the first one, the rest were not bad.

[Neal Winkler]

I learned my backflip by going to a gymnastic floor. Since it has a little bounce, it gave me the confidence that I could jump high enough not to land on my head. So then I just tried it once and did it. That was it. Now I can do them on regular ground when ever I feel like. It's all about the fear - not much else, so long as you can jump high enough.

[Daniel Miller]

ohhh, fear.

Cool, I like the sand volleyball idea. I'll give it a shot.

Thanks for the advice guys.

[Jesse Woody]

Here are two great tutorials:

From APK:
http://www.americanparkour.com/content/view/1274/214/

And Tricks Tutorials:
http://trickstutorials.com/index.php...ent/t_backflip

[Robb Wolf]

I was 28 when I landed my first one...Mestre Curisco yelling "Jump Hoberto! Jump!"

Brasilians have amazing teaching sequences.

[Steven Low]

If any gyms in your area have classes I would suggest taking one. Learning by yourself is usually not a good idea. It's best to learn from a qualified instructor or at least someone who knows how to do it in a safe area.