How to do a standing back tuck

A good prerequisite to learning a standing back tuck would be the ability to do a standing back handspring. If not, no worries just be careful!

You're going to need a safe place to practice. A gymnastics centre would be ideal, but a gymnasium or even a grassy field would work too. Make sure someone is there to spot you.

Start practicing your jump like so. Make sure your hands start by your ears and return about there before you jump.

Once you start flipping don't lose that technique!

Grab a block, or if you don't have one, a stable surface about 2 feet off the ground. If you have a pit start there. Place the softest mat you have behind the block - a mattress can suffice.

One example of a good starting block, or a block to progress to after you are comfortable in the pit.

Jump like you did before, but as soon as your feet get off the block tuck your legs into your chest, grab them with your arms and lean back to flip yourself around. Eyes open and watch where you land.

Make sure you jump high as opposed to back, and tuck tighter to flip faster. Don't worry if it takes a few tries to land on your feet - you may be opening too soon or too late, or flipping too slow.

Here a couple common mistakes and things to avoid.

Once you are comfortable going off a block or into the pit, slowly progress to smaller blocks, or stacking mats on top of the foam. Eventually you will get to floor level with a mat. Then try without!

One final reminder to always have someone to spot you when you flip, especially the first couple of times. Good luck!