Mastering the front flip half twist involves combining a forward rotation with a 180-degree turn in the air, typically initiated after the primary flipping motion.
Performing a front flip half twist, often called a 'front half', requires a solid foundation in executing a standard front flip. Once the front flip is comfortable and controlled, you can begin to integrate the twisting element. The key technique, as highlighted in tutorials, focuses on when and how to initiate the turn during the flip.
Key Steps for the Front Half Twist
The process of adding the half twist to a front flip can be broken down into the following stages:
- Solid Front Flip Foundation: Ensure you can perform a consistent and controlled front flip, landing safely on your feet. This is the prerequisite skill.
- Initiating the Twist: According to expert guidance, the twist is best initiated after the initial tuck and forward rotation begins to open up.
- Turning Sideways: As you open up from your tuck, try to turn sideways. This starts the rotational movement around your vertical axis. Think about leading with one shoulder or looking over one shoulder.
- Adding the Quarter Turn: To complete the half twist (180 degrees), you then add another quarter turn to the initial sideways rotation. A sideways turn is roughly 90 degrees; adding another quarter turn (90 degrees) completes the 180-degree rotation.
- Completing the Rotation: This combination of turning sideways and adding the extra quarter turn should guide you through the required half twist while you continue the front flip's forward rotation.
- Practice and Consistency: Continuously practice this technique. The reference notes that this approach will eventually lead to a consistent front half technique.
Understanding the Timing
The timing is crucial. Unlike some twists initiated off the ground, the front half twist is often taught to start as you transition out of the tight tuck of the front flip. This allows the primary forward rotation to develop before the twist is added.
- Early Twist: Twisting too early can disrupt the forward rotation and make the flip incomplete or uncontrolled.
- Late Twist: Twisting too late might mean you don't have enough time or height to complete the 180 degrees before landing.
Focus on the reference's instruction: "As you open up from your tuck try to turn sideways. And eventually add another quarter turn so that it turns into a front half eventually." This emphasizes the action post-tuck and the method of achieving the 180-degree turn via two quarter-turn segments.
Practice Tips
- Start practicing the twist on soft surfaces or into a pit.
- Focus on just turning sideways first during a front flip before attempting the full 180.
- Spotting (keeping your eyes on a fixed point until the last possible moment) can help control the twist.
- Work with a coach or experienced spotter when learning new twists.
Learning a front flip half twist takes time, patience, and consistent practice building upon a solid front flip foundation.
