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View Full Version : Difficulty of BackTuck and Front Flip


krazylam
Oct 18, 2006, 11:27 AM
I am trying to find out what is physically more difficult, a standing back tuck (back flip) or a standing front tuck (front flip). If you answer this question, please answer why.

lgehner
Oct 20, 2006, 10:58 AM
Front is more difficult. From coaching gymnastics and being in gymnastics, with very few exceptions, anything forward is more difficult than backward.

To do a standing back tuck, you jump up and your legs, head, etc. give you momentum to go backward. Plus, the bonus of being able to "spot" your landing. 99% of the time I could easily teach someone to do a back tuck in very little time.

To do a front tuck, you must have far more upward momentum because you do not have your legs' weight to help your rotation. You must keep your head in a neutral position, otherwise you end up on the ground, on your face. You cannot see your landing until the last nanosecond. A standing front tuck is rather difficult to teach and learn.

It's all a matter of physics...

Hope this answers your question.