Description:

A Back Pike Flip is the next level skill after mastering the tucked back flip.  This skill involves superior abdominal muscles.  In particular it is important that the performer possesses the strength to contract the abs in a quick and explosive fashion.  Solid flexibility in the pike position is also a requirement as the ability to compress the body will have a direct impact on the efficiency with which you rotate.  Similar to the back flip, make sure that this skill is performed over a safe surface and under the supervision of a trained professional.

Process:

• begin in a stand with arms overhead
• swing arms down and behind your body while slightly bending knees
• avoid dropping chest, instead it should remain fairly upright
• to jump, quickly swing arms up past the ears while extending the entire body (beginning with chest all the way down to knees and toes)
• at the apex of the jump, bend body at the hips and drive legs as close to your chest as possible to initiate the pike position
• grab behind the legs and maintain piked position until you flip all the way around and spot the floor
• open up the pike, place feet on the ground, and land softly, ensuring that the knees bend when coming to contact with the floor to lessen the impact felt on your joints