A slant gainer, also known as a cheat gainer, is a dynamic tricking move that combines a horizontal approach with a backward flip, creating a visually appealing and powerful rotation. It's a foundational trick that builds on basic gymnastic and martial arts movements, crucial for developing advanced aerial awareness and control.
Understanding the Slant Gainer
The slant gainer differs from a straight gainer by incorporating a "cheating" or diagonal approach, which helps generate momentum and rotational force more easily than a direct backward take-off. This makes it an excellent progression for those working towards more complex gainers and flips.
Key Characteristics:
- Diagonal Approach: Instead of going straight back, you initiate the move with a slight angle.
- Backward Rotation: The flip itself is backward, similar to a backflip.
- Momentum Generation: The approach is designed to build forward momentum that converts into rotational energy.
Prerequisites and Foundations
Before attempting a slant gainer, it's essential to have a solid grasp of fundamental body control and basic flips. This ensures safety and a smoother learning curve.
- Basic Jumps & Hops: Strong vertical and horizontal jumping ability.
- Back Handspring: Familiarity with backward rotation and landing.
- Gainer Flash/Gainer onto a soft surface: Understanding the gainer's arc and landing.
- Cartwheel/Round-off: For understanding the setup and momentum transfer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Slant Gainer
Mastering the slant gainer involves breaking it down into distinct phases. Focus on each part before linking them together seamlessly.
1. The Approach: The "J-Step"
The J-step is one of the most important parts of the slant gainer. It's crucial for generating the necessary horizontal momentum and setting up your body for the backward rotation.
- Starting Position: Begin with a few steps of approach, building moderate speed.
- The "J" Curve: As you get closer to your take-off point, take a cross-step with your lead foot (e.g., if you're right-footed, step across with your right foot to the left side). This creates the curved path resembling the letter 'J'.
- Plant: Follow immediately by planting your other foot firmly on the ground, pointing slightly away from your intended direction of travel. This plant foot will be your primary take-off foot.
2. The Take-off: The "Eagle" & Powerful Jump
This phase is where you translate your horizontal momentum into vertical lift and backward rotation. The "Eagle" aspect refers to a powerful, high-reaching drive.
- Arm Drive: As your plant foot makes contact, powerfully swing both your arms upwards and slightly backward. Think about reaching high towards the sky.
- Leg Drive (The "Eagle" Component): Simultaneously, lift your arms and legs as high as you can and jump! Drive your free leg (the one not planted) up forcefully, chambering it towards your chest. This strong leg drive, combined with the arm swing, is your "Eagle" movement, designed to maximize your vertical height and help initiate the backward rotation.
- Explode Upwards: Push off the ground with your planted foot as explosively as possible. Your goal is to get as much height as you can.
3. The Rotation: Tuck and Flip
Once airborne, the focus shifts to completing the backward rotation.
- Spotting: Keep your head neutral or slightly looking over your shoulder initially, spotting your landing area for as long as possible.
- Tuck: As you feel yourself leaving the ground and gaining height, quickly bring your knees towards your chest and grab your shins or knees. This tight tuck dramatically increases your rotational speed.
- Head Position: Keep your head tucked in as you rotate backward.
4. The Landing: Spot and Absorb
The landing is critical for safety and completing the trick cleanly.
- Un-Tuck: As you come around and spot the ground, quickly release your tuck.
- Extend Legs: Extend your legs downwards, preparing to absorb the impact.
- Absorb Impact: Land with soft knees, allowing your body to absorb the shock. Maintain balance and stability.
- Arm Balance: Use your arms for balance as needed.
Training Tips and Common Pitfalls
Mastering the slant gainer requires consistent practice and attention to detail.
- Practice the J-Step and Eagle Separately: Since the J-step and the Eagle-like arm/leg drive are the most important parts, dedicate ample time to practicing them until they feel natural and powerful.
- Start Small: Begin with smaller, less aggressive jumps on soft surfaces (e.g., grass, mats) before progressing to harder surfaces or higher attempts.
- Visualize: Mental rehearsal can significantly improve your performance.
- Core Strength: A strong core is vital for controlling your body during the flip.
- Flexibility: Good hip and shoulder flexibility aids in achieving a tight tuck and powerful take-off.
| Common Pitfalls | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not enough height | Focus on a more explosive "Eagle" take-off; drive knees higher. |
| Over-rotating / Under-rotating | Adjust your tuck intensity; practice spotting your landing. |
| Losing balance on approach | Refine your J-step; ensure consistent speed and precise foot placement. |
| Landing on your back/head | Ensure adequate rotation and sufficient height before attempting a full flip. |
Safety Considerations
Always prioritize safety when learning new tricks.
- Professional Guidance: If possible, learn from a qualified coach or instructor.
- Safe Environment: Practice on soft surfaces like mats, grass, or foam pits.
- Spotter: Have an experienced spotter assist you, especially in the initial stages.
- Progress Gradually: Don't rush the learning process. Master each prerequisite before moving on.
- Listen to Your Body: Take breaks when needed and avoid pushing through pain.
The slant gainer is a rewarding trick that opens the door to many advanced tricking movements. With dedicated practice on the J-step, a powerful "Eagle" take-off, and consistent refinement of your rotation and landing, you'll be able to perform this dynamic flip with confidence.
External Resources
- For general tricking safety tips, consider resources from reputable martial arts or gymnastics academies.
- Explore more detailed tutorials on tricking fundamentals on platforms like YouTube Tricking Tutorials or dedicated tricking websites.
