Pre-requisites

At this point in your progression, you should be confident at flying up off the net in the Head Down orientation, controlling your movements, and also have been trained to fly both the Sit to Head Front Flip and the Sit to Head cartwheel transitions. Now you are ready to begin learning the Sit to Head Back Flip.

Objectives

The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully transition from a neutral Sit flying position through a backflip maneuver and finish in a neutral Head Down position in the center of the tunnel, without generating any lift or movement.

Preparation

You will start in the center of the tunnel in a neutral Sit flying position. For your early transitions, your Instructor will manage the speed of the wind so it is strong enough for the vertical  orientations but not fast enough that it will cause you to gain altitude during the movement. Your Instructor will be assisting you early on and will aim to keep you approximately waist to chest height above the net. Your Head Down position must be very solid so that as you transition, you are able to find your vertical position without causing drive to move away from the center of the tunnel.

Technique and Drills

Basic

• Start in the center of the tunnel in a neutral Sit flying position slightly off of the net
• Allow your arms and your shoulders to relax forward slightly; this will allow your upper body to initiate the transition and fall backwards
• Try to avoid rotating your head back or arching your chest as these may prevent your upper body from descending
• As you start to rotate, allow the wind to lift your legs with the surface area that is presented and begin to adjust your legs toward their “daffy” position (your stronger leg forward, the other leg pointing back)
• As you near the end of the rotation, pick a reference point on the wall of the tunnel to aid in stopping your torso from rotating
• To stop the rotation, extend your front “daffy” leg into the airflow and also push your arms forward slightly to brake against the wind
• You should focus on the rotation of the transition happening around your waist point; your upper and lower body should switch places
• Assume a neutral Head Down position once the rotation has stopped

Post-flight questions / suggestions

• How did your performance match the initial objectives?
• Were you able to consistently transition without creating any unwanted lift or drive?
• Are you ready to perform the transitions without an assisted grip by the instructor?
• What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?

This skill, while high in difficulty, will serve the most purpose for you in your Static progression. It is the best means of getting from your Sit to your Head Down position. Make sure that you are comfortable at a range of different wind speeds when flying this transition.