(Location: Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland)
I believe almost anybody could learn a backflip, Its the easiest of all flips to learn but probably the most scary first time round. ;)
The brain doesn't like the idea of jumping up high then throwing yourself backwards and I'm not sure it ever learns to like the idea but the more confidence you develop through repetition the more the logical side of your brain can override the fear that prevents you in the first instance.
Ill not lie to anyone tho, I said almost everyone, the only prerequisite I would say is the ability to jump high.
How high?
This kinda depends on how tall you are but for an average male (6 ft) if you can jump 2 ft off the ground, meaning your head is 8 ft off the ground or if you have 2 ft of clearance below you.
This is plenty, its actually really good .
As a rule of thumb or "knee" I suppose if you can jump with legs straight(the minute you leave the ground keep your legs straight) above your knee height I would say you'll be fine.
Give the jump a try even if you have no intention of doing a backflip.
Then the rest is simple just jump straight up, try and not lean back until you've reached the peak of your jump then lean and tuck your knees to your chest. Then just hold on (literally to your shins or ass, which seems more appropriate but is less effective) until you can make sense of what's the sky and what's the ground. (Don't close your eyes). Your reaction will do the rest. Simple but scary.
This all applies to a standing backflip on flat ground which is much harder.
If you can backflip off something higher it makes it a lot easier as you don't need to be able to jump high just jump back more its obviously more scary but that's just the way it is.
Now more pictures less talking!
(Location: Antrim Castle and Gardens)
(Location: chilling with the boys)
If you've made it to the bottom through all the waffling, I thank you for reading my post!
Have a great day!