Backtuck
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A backtuck, also known as a "tuckback" or "backflip", is practiced in gymnastics, tricking, and various other activities. It is a move in which the person executing the move jumps from two feet, rotates backwards in the air, and lands on their feet again, without needing to touch the floor with their hands. This move is also commonly executed after a roundoff (a cartwheel landing with both feet together), but can also be done from a standing position or after another move such as a back flic.
Backtucks are one of the most fundamental moves in the practice of both gymnastics and tricking. In completion to this move they provide access to a wider range of advanced moves such as X-outs, gainers, flashkicks, and also back somersault twists.
A common misconception is that all "backflips" are the same. Much to the contrary, a backtuck is a certain kind of flip, in which the body is curled up in a ball, or "tucked". The knees are as close to the chest as possible, with the hands clutching the knees (inside or outside).
[edit] Variations
- X-Out
- This begins as a normal backtuck, however, the legs are extended outwards to the sides forming a "V" shape, while the arms are extended as well, mirroring the legs, creating the total effect of an "X" shape. In the tricking community, this move is generally executed with only the legs kicking out.
- Layout
- This begins as a normal backtuck, however, the legs are extended downwards and are together, while the arms are at your sides, creating the total effect of an "I" shape. In the tricking community, the tuck is not always fully executed and position of the arms and legs generally less rigid.
- Flashkick
- Also known as a "walkover", this is similar to a layout in the execution but the main difference is that the legs are not together. They are split in the direction that the body is flipping.
- Gainer
- This move has numerous variations as well. A normal backflip will either move backwards from the point of take off or land back on it. With a Gainer, the goal is to move forward, or gain ground. A gainer can be executed either from standing, following another move in a combo, a three step take off, or a running take off.
