Fear of Flips

[FibOfAllFibs]

Gahh!!! I have been working for days on my flips. Frontflips, backflips, swing backflips, etc. (Easy stuff). I've watched dozens of YouTube videos on the topics and had lots of advice from my friends. But... I just can't seem to let myself flip! My body knows (relatively) how to do these flips, but my mind simply will not let my body go straight backwards. Is there anything I can do to overcome my fear of flips?? :'(

 

[malakadang]

I had this 'fear' if you like as well, this was a while ago.
How I overcame it swimming around in a pool.

What I would do is just go diving in a swimming pool (preferably 2m) and just do some underwater acrobatics. This also increases your lung capacity, and it will get your body use to moving in positions it wouldn't naturally be in without fear of consequence.
This helped me 'train' my body to become accustomed to these moves, and ultimately I was able to perform a front flip.

Try this, I'm not sure whether it's credible or not, however It worked on me, and if it doesn't it's a fun way to try!

Good luck!

 

[FibOfAllFibs]

I had this 'fear' if you like as well, this was a while ago.
How I overcame it swimming around in a pool.

What I would do is just go diving in a swimming pool (preferably 2m) and just do some underwater acrobatics. This also increases your lung capacity, and it will get your body use to moving in positions it wouldn't naturally be in without fear of consequence.
This helped me 'train' my body to become accustomed to these moves, and ultimately I was able to perform a front flip.

Try this, I'm not sure whether it's credible or not, however It worked on me, and if it doesn't it's a fun way to try!

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, it seems rather logical because my body probably needs to get used to turning backwards. Unfortunately, I don't have easy access to a pool. I do have a trampoline in my backyard though, if there are any other suggestions that could involve that.

 

[O_R_L_Y]

trampoline would work well too as long as your in the center where u cant fall off or anything , but doing front flips on a trampoline is relatively easy. not sure about backflips i'm too much of a pussy to try a backflip.

 

[Tezlin]

Mate, in all honesty, you just need to "go for it". What's the worst that can happen?

The worry that you're feeling is that you might fail the backflip which, at worst, is just landing off the trampoline or landing oddly.
If you can build up the courage, just try a simple backflip.

All it involves: Jump high, and try and make the back of your head touch your heel!

Sorry I can't offer more help. This is a mental bridge you need to overcome yourself.

 

[FibOfAllFibs]

Haha thanks guys. I've heard the "just go for it argument" and, in all honesty, it totally makes sense. I have no idea why I can't just go for it, but I can only offer the simple explanation that my mind will not let me. It doesn't really make sense, but every time I think I'm about to do it, I just automatically stop or pivot so I land on my back and never go completely backwards :/

 

[zafire]

have u tried to use a trampoline or something of that nature until u get use to it then after using one ur body might feel it to be easier to do, by that i mean if u do it on a trampoline u might be less scared to do them then after u get really really good then start trying them off the trampoline on a padded surface like some gymnastics places have and then go for the beach or some where it won't hurt as much, then eventually u will have them down no problem

 

[FibOfAllFibs]

have u tried to use a trampoline or something of that nature until u get use to it then after using one ur body might feel it to be easier to do, by that i mean if u do it on a trampoline u might be less scared to do them then after u get really really good then start trying them off the trampoline on a padded surface like some gymnastics places have and then go for the beach or some where it won't hurt as much, then eventually u will have them down no problem

Yep, I've tried a trampoline. But for some reason I will never go fully backwards. The most I can do is when I get to the "knee tuck" step, I suddenly twist to the left, like I'm trying to do a Standing Full (Backflip 360).

 

[zafire]

Yep, I've tried a trampoline. But for some reason I will never go fully backwards. The most I can do is when I get to the "knee tuck" step, I suddenly twist to the left, like I'm trying to do a Standing Full (Backflip 360).

my friend use to have the same problem i just talked to him he said tuck ur self together a bit(by that i guess he means get some more force behind ur turn and then try to get smaller so u turn faster) more and u will go a bit faster and be able to land it

 

[Rune Scimmy]

If you fall you can break your neck so use caution.. I would say start with somersaults and move up to a trampoline then to a diving board, and lastly move to real land.

 

[Aroxez]

When I first wanted to do flips, I was so scared. After going on a trampoline, it gained me confidence. I didn't think I could do it, just jump high. Your fear is completely normal, though it's something easy to get over. After you do your first flip, it's so much easier.

One of the easiest ways I learned was a diving board and a pool. You simply just do front flips over and over. Then, you progress to trying to flip onto a mat, and then repeat for a backflip. You don't have to do it the first try, it's patience.

Talk to me on MSN if you need more help, I'm particularly good doing these.

 

I have the exact same problem..
I am confident in my front flips, but my friend has been trying to teach me how to backflip and I have the same image in my head all the time.. me just jumping backwards and landing on my neck. Doesn't really help.

However..
What you should try, is making crash mats (use pillows or soft items or even crash mats if you have them) then just flipping on them, I feel A LOT safer when I know that if I land head first I know I wont crack my head open.