back somersault
Backward aerial rotation
A back somersault is a somersault performed backward—the body rotates in the opposite direction from a forward roll, with the head going back first.
Common in gymnastics, diving, and cheerleading: She landed the back somersault cleanly.
Also called a back flip or backflip when performed from standing.
- backflipRearward aerial tumble
- tumbleUncontrolled rolling descent
- acrobatAgile circus performer
- gymnastBalance and flexibility athlete
- floor exerciseApparatus-free gymnastics event
balance beam · high bar · tuck · pike · layout · rotation · full twist · vault · flip · trampoline · dismount · stuck landing · aerial · twist · springboard · foam pit · momentum · landing
rotational direction
back somersaultforward somersault
Airborne rotation moving ahead
front flip · forward roll · front tuck · forward dive · front walkover
back, backs, backed, backing, backside, backbone, backward, backwards, somersault