I need help with my backflip on the trampoline!

Question

i am terrified that i might break my neck(I over react sometimes) any ideas?

Answer 1

Try it jumping in a pool first to get the feeling and when you're ready then do it on the trampoline.  Also, don't hesitate!!  That's when you might get hurt.  Just commit to the jump and you'll be fine.

Answer 2

People HAVE broken their necks while trying the back flip. The danger lies in landing directly on your head or neck. Usually the consequences are less severe than a broken neck but not always. You do NOT have to fall off the trampoline to hurt yourself. Sometimes a broken neck can happen while landing right in the middle of the trampoline but badly such as on your head or neck. So teaching yourself a back flip is always a gamble. It is an easy trick when you know how to do it but it can also be a DANGEROUS trick to learn. Most gymnastic schools have safety belts that hang down from the ceiling. They will put you in one to learn the back flip and then if you miss and start to fall on your head, they can pull the safety belt to protect you. Your coach can also teach you lead-up skills to make learning the back flip easier.

Your fear of breaking your neck is actually a realistic fear because, even though it usually does not happen, it CAN happen. Play it safe and take lessons at your local gymnastic school.

If you do not want to take lessons, you could start by learning a back roll on your trampoline. Then learn a back drop or back landing trick. Then bounce on your back and bounce over backwards to your hand & knees or feet. (This last is called a back pullover.) It allows you to do a back flip much lower than trying if from your feet. It is safer but there is still some risk of serious injury. Practice each skill for days or weeks until you feel comfortable doing it before going on to the next skill.

Also there is an excellent trampoline instructional video available for FREE viewing at many public libraries. More information on this video is available at the link below:

http://www.backyardpro.com/video.html