Q&A for How to Do a Frontflip (Beginners)

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  • Question
    What kind of training will help me do a front flip?
    Tanya Berenson
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Tanya Berenson is a Gymnastics Instructor and the General Manager of the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics. With over 25 years of professional gymnastics experience, Tanya has also served as a consultant to USA Gymnastics, has served as the USA World Maccabi Games Head Coach, USA Gymnastics Meet Director, and RAS counselor. She holds a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Development from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Expert Answer
    A lot of the strength needed comes from your core. I would recommend a lot of core training and a lot of asymmetrical training and repetition.
  • Question
    How long will it take to be able to do a front flip?
    Tanya Berenson
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Tanya Berenson is a Gymnastics Instructor and the General Manager of the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics. With over 25 years of professional gymnastics experience, Tanya has also served as a consultant to USA Gymnastics, has served as the USA World Maccabi Games Head Coach, USA Gymnastics Meet Director, and RAS counselor. She holds a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Development from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    Gymnastics Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Front flips are much more natural for us because we can see what's in front of us. The motion is not as challenging or scary. You could probably learn in a class environment in a couple of weeks, or at home in 6-8 weeks.
  • Question
    Why doesn't it work when I try to tuck and turn?
    CaveyMan
    Community Answer
    Only tuck and turn when your feet have left the floor. Try to get more height as well.
  • Question
    How do I spin fast enough so I have time to land?
    Community Answer
    It is crucial to tuck your arms, chest and head from a fully extended position into a ball during the flip, as this is what lends you the necessary rotational momentum to complete the flip. If you still find yourself landing poorly, or not at all, you may need to practice jumping higher; this allows you more time to complete the flip.
  • Question
    How long does it take to master the front flip?
    Community Answer
    It can take 10 minutes or 10 months. Just keep practicing, and you will learn.
  • Question
    How can I improve my jumping?
    Community Answer
    Start by jumping on a trampoline or mats to help you with the flip.
  • Question
    Will this still work for me if I am only 9 years old but also very experienced in gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    It does not matter how old you are.
  • Question
    Can I practice doing front flips on sand?
    Community Answer
    Not a good idea. You could slip and hurt yourself. Practice on a mat, a mattress, or a trampoline. Once you get the hang of doing a front flip, then you could try it in the sand.
  • Question
    Can I do this on grass?
    Community Answer
    You can do a front flip on almost any surface. In saying that, it is very important that you know your limits and what your body can handle. The grass is hard and if you have lower limb injuries I would not recommend this. However, if you know how to do front flips and have never injured yourself you could attempt it. If possible, use some mats to land on first before moving completely to the grass.
  • Question
    Can I do this jumping instead of running?
    Community Answer
    If it makes you more comfortable, and feels easier, then you can. But running provides more momentum.
  • Question
    How do I land on my feet?
    Community Answer
    Use your momentum to land on your feet. You have to come down fast, and you can't slow down once you start to fall forward.
  • Question
    Why do I have to use my arms to hold my legs if I do a frontflip?
    Community Answer
    Your arms steady your legs from falling either way, thus preventing injury (or even a half back tuck-split!). I seriously recommend you use your arms, either way.
  • Question
    When I start doing frontflips, should I use a mat to cushion my landing?
    Community Answer
    Yes, absolutely.
  • Question
    Which basic gymnastic moves should I able to do before attempting a frontflip?
    Community Answer
    I would suggest being able to do a bounder, front handspring (without squatting), front walkover (without squatting), and a forward roll (standing up).
  • Question
    How can I overcome my fear of doing a flip?
    Community Answer
    Get a spotter to help you until you feel comfortable enough to attempt it alone.
  • Question
    Do you have to hold your legs?
    CaveyMan
    Community Answer
    I find it a lot easier to hold my legs, but if you have enough height, it doesn't matter too much.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a trampoline?
    Community Answer
    You can use a mattress or put many pillows on the ground to cushion you if you fall. Be careful though, and only practice your flip if you have a properly cushioned area to do it safely. It's even better if you can take gymnastics classes and practice there.
  • Question
    Is it safe to do this if I don't have and adult?
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't attempt it, it's always good to have an adult around to spot you. Once you've mastered the skill, then you probably don't need a spotter anymore.
  • Question
    Can I do a front tuck on a small trampoline?
    CaveyMan
    Community Answer
    Since you don't move forward or backward too much when doing a front tuck, you should be fine, but for safety reasons I wouldn't recommend it.
  • Question
    I'm 10 years old and was in gymnastics at one point. How do I turn more quickly and not hurt myself?
    Community Answer
    Try to tuck your legs high up by your ribs and keep your head down. If you're worried about hurting yourself, practice your flip on a mat or another soft surface.
  • Question
    How can I do the variation of a front flip?
    Community Answer
    There is a variation called the Arabian where you start facing backwards and you land in the opposite direction. It is highly reccomended that you also practice a backflip.
  • Question
    Do I have to be able to jump high to do a front flip?
    Community Answer
    You don't need to jump really high, you just need more momentum. Try a few more running steps.
  • Question
    Can a practice doing a flip over water in a pool?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    This is not recommended. The poolside will get slippery, the pool's edge can cause nasty injuries to head and neck, and the water itself is not a soft landing. A better way to practice flips in the pool is under water. You can do your flips really slowly and study your body's position at every inch of the movement. Practice the actual front flip in a gym, with a trampoline and a big, deep safety mat. Use a spotter.
  • Question
    If I have an accident, how will I get up to call an emergency number?
    Community Answer
    If you are worried about this, have someone with you while you're practicing until you are more confident in your ability.
  • Question
    Should I attempt the flip on the ground?
    Community Answer
    Master it on the trampoline first before trying it on the ground.
  • Question
    Can I jump by stepping on bricks?
    Jordyn Jones
    Community Answer
    Yes, and that is a good start for beginners! I used to use that because it will give you more height to jump and prevent you from falling.
  • Question
    How long should I hold the tuck before landing the flip?
    Community Answer
    it depends on how quickly you flip, when I do them if I go up not very high I tuck quickly so I can land. If I go high I can be more calm and hold my tuck for longer. If you land on your butt on a trampoline, rod floor, or floor it wont hurt, (personal experience.)
  • Question
    Can I do front flip without learning any kind of martial arts?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Just practice it in a safe environment and progress up to it. Martial arts isn't necessary if you learn it safely.
  • Question
    Can I do front flips if I am 9 years old and overweight and have never done gymnastics?
    Community Answer
    Well, it's really up to you. You should really get some expirence before you try it though, because you can get seriously injured.
  • Question
    Can I do a frontflip on carpet?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it's best to do it on a gym mat if you have one.
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