Q&A for How to Backflip on a Trampoline

Try mastering a back handspring (if you don't already know how). Then just keep going higher and higher each time. Tell yourself that you can do this and just do it! If it helps, maybe watch videos of people doing back flips and tell yourself that if they can do it, so can you!

Try doing a back drop over and over again! The more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel. By the time you start learning to do an actual backflip, it will only be a little bit scary, and when you try it with a spot, it won't be scary at all!

Keep your head aligned with your body, so your head hits the trampoline the same time as your back.

Make sure you get enough spring -- you really have to push off with your legs. Also, make sure you lock your arms.

Yes! I cannot do a back-handspring and frankly don't even know what a flick is! However, the other day I tried a backflip for the first time and landed it!

They can put their arm under your back and support you if you fall on your head.

Try to do a back somersault on the trampoline just rolling. Do this over and over until you are comfortable with it.

Use your abdominal muscles. Try a drill where you hang onto something while lying on your back, and bring your feet in a tuck over your head as fast as possible. This should help.

Pretty much just the knowledge of what a flip feels like, and how to conquer fear. That's about it.

Quickly get an adult to come and assess the situation, or call 911 yourself if necessary. You'll want to get medical help immediately.

If anyone falls unconscious on the trampoline, call 911 immediately and do not move them. If they have a head, neck, or spinal injury, moving them could make the injury worse. Stay with them and talk to them if they wake up until emergency services arrive.

Try putting padding down on your trampoline. This will make it hurt less if you land weird because you have a soft surface to land on. Try doing a back drop and then go into a back flip from there. This will definitely help you.

No. The forward motion is different from the backward motion, but you have an advantage of knowing how to do a flip, and getting an edge in conquering your fear.

You don't really NEED one, but a spotter is there to make sure you don't injure yourself if you fall. It's an extra safety precaution that's especially recommended for beginners.

Very much. Landing on your head is dangerous and can result in breaking your neck. Always practice with a spotter if you're not experienced to ensure you don't land in a dangerous way.

You should always have somebody else near the trampoline with you. If you get seriously injured, that person should call 911 immediately.

Yes.

Buy one with a net, and zip up the entrance all the way to ensure safety when bouncing.

You should use a spotter so you make sure you get the full rotation. That will help you get the feel of the rotation, and you shouldn't ever have an injury once you learn the trick.

When I did my first backflip I was scared too, I had to build up confidence to just bend while falling. You should have someone spot you because they would give you extra support.

Try tucking in your neck and swinging your arms before doing a backflip to get more momentum to flip backwards and hopefully land either on your hands and knees or feet.

Try having someone help flip you over until you feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Only if you want to get more rotation when you are learning. The answer is yes.

You just have to keep on working on it, and it's all about the arm momentum/swing.

If you are worried, then stand up as soon as your feet touch the ground or just put your hands down.

Try doing backdrops on the trampoline and you will then get over your fear of going backward.

Make sure you tuck your knees and legs in and practice releasing at the right time. If you release too late, your momentum will carry you backward and you will go flying.

Lean back and look down at the trampoline. Make sure you're in an arch. Fling your legs over and bend them. Grab on to your legs and when landing unfold your legs.

Just realize you will be landing on a softer surface with lots of give, and will not likely hurt yourself.

It can be easier to learn to do a backflip on something softer than a trampoline, like foam padding or a high-jump mat for track.