How To Do A 360 Backflip On A Trampoline

A 360 backflip on the trampoline is one of those tricks that separates the men from the boys and the women from the girls. Most trampoline enthusiasts have mastered the backflip and spinning, but to put those 2 moves together takes dedication and guts. You flip with no visual assistance, but if you know how to execute the trick, it isn't needed. Committing to the daunting trick is the most difficult aspect of the trick; the fundamentals aren't all that complicated.

Step 1

Bounce several times on the trampoline to gain height. Try to get 3 to 4 feet from the trampoline—no more, no less. This minimizes your chances of overshooting your landing and under-rotating as well.

Step 2

Swing your arms forward and arch your back. Keep your feet together as you begin your rotation; your landing will be much less dangerous with your feet underneath you. Lean your head back slightly and begin to turn your shoulders, but do not spin yet.

Step 3

Begin your turn a second before your body is completely inverted. Spinning while the backflip is already in rotation is much safer and easier than trying to spin right after you bounce. Spot your landing below you; it may be disorienting as you are spinning and upside down, but you will adjust through practice.

Step 4

Complete the final 180 degrees of your spin when your body is parallel to the trampoline. Tuck your knees in a little as you prepare for your landing. This is also a good time to bail out and drop to your knees if you are about to land near the edge of the trampoline.

Step 5

Extend your legs as you land on the trampoline. Keep your arms outstretched to maintain your balance. Take a few bounces to regain composure and to ensure that you aren't jettisoned off the trampoline with an awkward bounce.

Tips and Warnings

Flip up and not out for optimal safety conditions. This can be accomplished by beginning your backflip later in your bounce. If your first move is to flip backward, you aren't giving yourself the height and timing for a tight, controlled backflip.