In this lesson, you will learn how to perform a flashkick. A flashkick is essentially a backflip with a step-out landing, where one leg lands before the other. There are two main variations:
- Tucked (Small) Flashkick – Standing (covered in this lesson)
- Layout (Big) Flashkick – where the body remains fully extended, similar to a layout front flip. This version is typically performed after a round-off or a back handspring.
Before attempting the standing flashkick, you should already be comfortable with a standing back tuck and a back handspring step-out. You can find detailed guidance in the Artistic Gymnastics section.
Execution
- Begin by jumping off both legs simultaneously, just like in a regular backflip. Swing your arms upward to a vertical position. For a detailed explanation of the back tuck, refer to the Gymnastic Back Flip instruction.
- Keep your eyes looking forward until you've gained enough height. Engage your core to maintain stability.
- Kick your right leg upward while bending your left leg, and simultaneously whip your arms downward.
- Make sure to:
- Avoid arching (hollowing) your back.
- Avoid twisting sideways.
- Land first on your right leg, then follow with your left.
- After landing, raise your arms and look forward to finish cleanly.
Advice
- Do not attempt a flashkick if you can't do a back tuck.
- Training progression:
- Begin with back handspring step-outs on mats, landing on your right leg. Always jump off both legs at the same time.
- Practice tucked backflips from standing or with the aid of a springboard. In the air, open your knees and land with one foot slightly before the other.
- Don’t grab your shins; instead, practice whipping your arms down.
- Gradually increase the leg separation in the air.
Challenge Variation
If your flashkick is very strong, you can try throwing a soccer ball into the air before jumping and attempt to kick it mid-flip. Be careful—at first, just throw the ball forward and perform the flashkick without actually kicking it. Focusing too much on the ball can cause loss of control and lead to injury. This is not for beginners.
What to Learn Next
- Tucked Gymnastic Back Flip
- Big Flashkick (Layout)
- Gymnastic Back Flip Layout
- How to Simulate a Round-Off Using a Trampoline
