Freerunning Tricks: How to Add Style to Your Parkour
- Citi Limits Parkour
- May 30
- 3 min read
Freerunning takes the functional movements of parkour and elevates them with flair and creativity. While parkour focuses on efficient movement from point A to point B, freerunning is all about artistry, adding acrobatic elements to express yourself through motion. If you’re looking to bring style into your training, mastering these advanced tricks will set you apart and make your movement more dynamic.
Understanding the Difference: Parkour vs. Freerunning
Before diving into tricks, it’s important to understand the difference between parkour and freerunning:
Parkour: Prioritizes efficiency and practicality, focusing on overcoming obstacles as quickly and effectively as possible.
Freerunning: Incorporates acrobatic and aesthetic elements, emphasizing creativity and personal expression.
While parkour is functional, freerunning celebrates individuality. Adding freerunning tricks to your repertoire not only enhances your style but also pushes the boundaries of what you can do.
7 Freerunning Tricks to Add Style to Your Movement
1. Full Twist Flip
A full twist flip combines a backflip or frontflip with a full 360-degree rotation of the body. It’s a visually impressive move that showcases control and air awareness.
Training Tip: Start by mastering basic flips and spins separately before combining them. Practice on trampolines or foam pits to build confidence.
2. Corkscrew (Cork)
The cork is a single-leg backflip with a 360-degree twist. It’s a staple in freerunning and tricking, known for its fluid and stylish execution.
Training Tip: Begin with cartwheels and progress to aerials before attempting the cork. Focus on generating rotation with your arms and torso.
3. Wall Flip
A wall flip involves running up a vertical surface and executing a backflip. It’s a trick that combines strength, timing, and spatial awareness.
Training Tip: Start with a supportive wall, running at a slight angle to gain height. Push off the wall with one foot and rotate backward.
4. Palm Flip
The palm flip is a backflip performed off a vertical surface, using your hands to push off. It’s a unique and stylish move that requires upper body strength and coordination.
Training Tip: Practice basic backflips and wall push-offs before combining the movements. Begin on a forgiving surface like a padded wall or gym mat.
5. Hyper-Twisting on Vaults
This involves adding extra rotations or twists to standard vaults, like a dash or kong vault. It’s a great way to add flair and complexity to your vaults.
Training Tip: Start with regular vaults and slowly add rotation. Use a soft obstacle to reduce the impact of failed attempts.
6. Kong Gainer
A kong gainer is a backward flip performed while vaulting over an obstacle using the kong technique. It’s one of the most iconic freerunning tricks, combining power, timing, and confidence.
Training Tip: Master the basic kong vault and backflip individually. Begin with smaller obstacles and increase height as you gain control.
7. 360 Dive Roll and Castaway
360 Dive Roll: This trick involves a full horizontal spin in the air before rolling out on the ground. It’s useful for adding flair to transitions.
Castaway: A backflip off a horizontal bar or ledge, requiring strength, technique, and air awareness.
Training Tip for Both: Focus on building upper body strength for support and mastering safe landing techniques to avoid injury.
Training Freerunning Tricks Safely
Start Small
Begin with basic flips, twists, and vaults to build foundational strength and confidence. Use soft surfaces like mats or foam pits for initial attempts.
Condition Your Body
Freerunning requires explosive strength and control. Incorporate exercises like pull-ups, dips, and squats into your routine to enhance your performance.
Practice Air Awareness
Tricks like flips and twists demand a high level of spatial awareness. Use trampolines or harness systems to safely practice air control.
Seek Professional Guidance
Learning from experienced freerunners can fast-track your progress and prevent bad habits or injuries. Attend workshops or follow tutorials from skilled athletes like Jason Paul, Joe Scandrett, or Calen Chan.
Learning from the Best
To see these tricks in action and learn techniques, check out freerunning legends:
Jason Paul: Known for his creative and boundary-pushing tricks.
Archie Aroyan: Offers advanced tutorials for acrobatics in freerunning.
Joe Scandrett: Combines freerunning with fluid motion and style.
Flip Like Z: Focuses on aerial and twisting movements in freerunning.
For more inspiration, watch these tutorials:
Conclusion
Freerunning allows you to express your personality through movement, turning parkour into an art form. Whether you’re adding a cork to your flow or mastering the kong gainer, these tricks will elevate your style and push your limits.
Remember to train safely, take your time, and celebrate small victories. Freerunning isn’t just about performing tricks—it’s about expressing yourself and enjoying the process of learning. So get out there, stay creative, and make your movement your own!
Comments