Can you help me with my backflip technique?

[sp3ctum]

Hey all,
I started tricking before Christmas, and I thought I'd practice on the backflip, since it's always looked cool to me. At first I crashed really bad - two times from maximum height on my neck, but after I took some time to heal and think I got over the fear.

So.. I've made a lot of progress since Christmas, but my backflip isn't ready yet. My friend can do backflips, but he really can't tell me what I should do differently. That's why I thought I'd post a link to the video here. I'd really appreciate it if someone could help me with this. :smile:
This video was shot yesterday on a pole jumping mattress, which is quite good for jumping.
Anyway, here's the link: http://download.yousendit.com/70F44636759BEF9C . I hope that works.

On the video I do two attempts. In the first one I focus more on the jump, while in the second attempt I focus on rotating fast. I know for sure that I jump a lot back, but I've seen backflips completed going 1.5 meters back. That's why I think there might be a bit more to it than just not going back.:smile:
Well, anyway, thanks in advance.

[Ankyro]

Nope. Dont go back. You go back, it kills your height. It doesnt matter how hard you jump back, all your force is going backwards. What gives you airtime is your focre up. JUMP UP, NOT BACK.

[sp3ctum]

Is that all there is to it? Going up?
What about the tuck? I can't understand why I spin faster in the latter attempt.

What could help me jump up? Just forcing myself? :D

[DisturbedChild]

When you go down, dont squat into it like your about to take a shit, just bob down a bit... you dont need to go down like your going to lift a car.

Dont stick your arse out when you bob down either.

Chuck your arms RIGHT UP, so they are straight with your body, not on an angle, like infront of your face (if that makes sence).
(if you dont understand just pm me or whatever)

oh, and, that mat looks reallly soft, prob TOO soft.

[sp3ctum]

Okay, thanks for the tips. I'll try them tomorrow.

[waterboy]

the problem is you are tucking too early. let yourself get some air first, then tuck.

the second attempt looked good, you prob could have landed it, you just don't have the air awareness yet.

either way, stall the tuck.

[smettalex]

always Jump UP on flips.when I do a back flip i first jump up an then i think that i have to pull up my knes to my arms but thats inposible so i have to reach for my knees and when i do that it becomes a tuck and then i spinn around and land,dont think about slaming you'r hands in to your' knees get up the knes and you vill spin around.

[sp3ctum]

Yeah, I think I know what you mean. I tried it today, but I couldn't yet do one where I would have been going completely up. Anyway, it worked better, and I actually landed one crouching on my toes..
I think I'll work on jumping straight up. Thanks for the tips, everybody.

edit: I managed to do a complete backflip today (3.3.2006). It wasn't that nice yet, as I landed crouching, but it was the first time I have landed one.
It wasn't the hand swing that helped, it was going up, like you said. It feels kind of like you're about to fall on your neck, but then the tuck catches and you have a lot of more time.
Well, thanks again, guys. :)