Flip vs. Somersault — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 22, 2024
Flip involves a simple rotation around a horizontal axis, usually performed standing, while a somersault includes a complete rotation of the body, often involving a more complex aerial maneuver.
Difference Between Flip and Somersault
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Key Differences
A flip is typically executed by jumping and rotating along the body's horizontal axis, making it a common move in gymnastics and diving. This action focuses on the rotation of the body in a single dimension. On the other hand, a somersault involves a full rotation around the body's horizontal axis, often seen as a forward or backward movement, making it more complex due to the complete turnover of the body in the air.
While flips are often performed in a variety of settings, including gymnastics, cheerleading, and even informal contexts like trampoline parks, they emphasize quick, sharp rotations. Somersaults, whereas, are characterized by their fuller, more rounded motion, requiring greater control and often more space to execute safely.
In terms of technicality, flips can be considered as part of the broader category of somersaults, but are generally simpler and require less body coordination. Whereas, somersaults demand a higher level of skill, including precise timing, spatial awareness, and body control, to complete the full rotation without injury.
Flips can be executed both on the ground and in the air, making them versatile movements for various sports and activities. Somersaults, on the other hand, are predominantly aerial maneuvers that showcase an athlete's ability to control their body through a complete airborne rotation.
Regarding the learning curve, beginners often start with basic flips to build up their confidence and understanding of body mechanics in rotation. Somersaults, however, represent a more advanced skill level, requiring practitioners to have a solid foundation in flips and other gymnastic movements before attempting.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A rotation around the horizontal axis of the body, often performed close to the ground.
A complete rotation over the horizontal axis, requiring airborne execution.
Complexity
Less complex, requiring basic control and technique.
More complex, demanding advanced control, technique, and spatial awareness.
Execution Space
Can be performed in limited space, both on the ground and in the air.
Requires more space, primarily executed in the air.
Skill Level
Suitable for beginners to intermediate levels.
More suited for intermediate to advanced practitioners.
Primary Use
Common in gymnastics, cheerleading, and casual play.
Predominantly used in gymnastics and professional performances.
Compare with Definitions
Flip
Flips require less space and can be done both indoors and outdoors.
They practiced flips in the gym during the rainy days.
Somersault
This maneuver requires a significant amount of space to perform safely.
The spacious gymnasium is ideal for practicing somersaults.
Flip
A flip is a quick rotation around the body's horizontal axis.
The gymnast executed a perfect back flip off the beam.
Somersault
It is a staple move in competitive gymnastics for its complexity.
Her floor routine concluded with a dramatic somersault.
Flip
It is often used in gymnastics to demonstrate agility.
She added a flip to her routine to impress the judges.
Somersault
Somersaults demonstrate a higher level of gymnastic skill.
Mastering the somersault took months of practice.
Flip
This move can be performed with minimal equipment.
He did a flip on the grass at the park.
Somersault
A somersault involves a full body rotation over the horizontal axis.
The diver's somersault from the high board was flawless.
Flip
Flips are popular in cheerleading for their dynamic visual effect.
The cheerleader’s flip caught the crowd's attention.
Somersault
Somersaults are often seen in professional performances for their visual impact.
The acrobat’s somersault through the air was the highlight of the show.
Flip
To throw or toss with a light brisk motion
Flipped the ball to the pitcher.
Somersault
A somersault (also flip, heli, and in gymnastics salto) is an acrobatic exercise in which a person's body rotates 360° around a horizontal axis with the feet passing over the head. A somersault can be performed forwards, backwards or sideways and can be executed in the air or on the ground.
Flip
To toss in the air, imparting a spin
Flip a coin.
Somersault
An acrobatic stunt in which the body rolls forward or backward in a complete revolution with the knees bent and the feet coming over the head. Also called somerset; also called regionally tumbleset.
Flip
To cause to turn over or around, especially with a light quick motion
Flip over a card.
Flipped the pancake with a spatula.
Somersault
A complete reversal, as of sympathies or opinions.
Flip
To turn through (papers, for example); leaf
Flipped the pages of the report.
Somersault
To execute a somersault.
Flip
To strike quickly or lightly; flick
Flipped me on the shoulder with his finger.
Somersault
Starting on one's feet, an instance of rotating one's body 360 degree while airborne or on the ground, with one's feet passing over one's head.
Flip
To move or act on with a quick motion
Flip a switch.
Flipped open her briefcase.
Somersault
To perform a somersault.
The performer somersaulted all the way across the stage.
Flip
To change or reverse (one's position or attitude).
Somersault
A leap in which a person turns his heels over his head and lights upon his feet; a turning end over end.
Now I'll onlyMake him break his neck in doing a sommerset.
Flip
To buy and resell (a house, for example) in a short period of time for a profit.
Somersault
An acrobatic feat in which the feet roll over the head (either forward or backward) and return
Flip
To turn over from one side to another or end over end
The canoe flipped over.
Somersault
Do a somersault
Flip
To turn a somersault, especially in the air.
Flip
To move up and down in twists and turns
Fish flipping about in the net.
Flip
To move quickly and lightly; snap
The lid flipped open.
Flip
To leaf; browse
Flipped through the catalogue.
Flip
To change one's mind, especially on a political position.
Flip
To go crazy.
Flip
To react strongly and especially enthusiastically
I flipped over the new car.
Flip
A flick or tap.
Flip
A short, quick movement
A flip of the wrist.
Flip
A somersault.
Flip
(Informal) A reversal; a flipflop.
Flip
A mixed drink made with any of various alcoholic beverages and often including beaten eggs.
Flip
Marked by casual disrespect; impertinent
A flip answer to a serious question.
Flip
A maneuver which rotates an object end over end.
We'll decide this on a flip of a coin.
The diver did a couple of flips before landing in the pool.
Flip
A complete change of direction, decision, movement etc.
Flip
(archaic) A fillip or light blow.
Flip
(dated) A whit or jot; the tiniest amount.
I don't care a flip for what he says.
Flip
A slingshot.
Flip
A hairstyle popular among boys in the 1960s–70s and 2000s–10s, in which the hair goes halfway down the ears, at which point it sticks out
Justin Bieber and Zac Efron are among the celebrities who wore a flip.
Flip
(informal) The purchase of an asset (usually a house) which is then improved and sold quickly for profit.
Flip
The tendency of a gun's barrel to jerk about at the moment of firing.
Flip
A mixture of beer, spirit, etc., stirred and heated by a hot iron (a "flip dog").
Flip
(transitive) To throw so as to turn over.
You need to flip the pancake onto the other side.
Flip
(transitive) To put into a quick revolving motion through a snap of the thumb and index finger.
If you can't decide which option to go for, flip a coin.
Flip
To win a state (or county) won by another party in the preceding elections.
Wisconsin had been Democratic for decades, but the Republicans flipped it in 2016.
Flip
To turn state's evidence; to agree to testify against one's co-conspirators in exchange for concessions from prosecutors.
The mafioso flipped on his superiors to get a lighter sentence.
Flip
To induce someone to turn state's evidence; to get someone to agree to testify against their co-conspirators in exchange for concessions.
The district attorney was able to strengthen his case against the bank robber by flipping the getaway driver.
Flip
To go berserk or crazy.
I'd flip if anyone broke my phone.
Flip
To buy an asset (usually a house), improve it and sell it quickly for profit.
Flip
To refinance (a loan), accruing additional fees.
Flip
To invert a bit (binary digit), changing it from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0.
Flip
To hand over or pass along.
Flip
To switch to another task, etc.
Flip
Having the quality of playfulness, or lacking seriousness of purpose.
I hate to be flip, but perhaps we could steal a Christmas tree.
Flip
Sarcastic.
Flip
(informal) Disrespectful, flippant.
Don't get flip with me or I'll knock you into next Tuesday!
Flip
A mixture of beer, spirit, etc., stirred and heated by a hot iron.
Flip
To toss (an object) into the air so as make it turn over one or more times; to fillip; as, to flip up a cent.
As when your little onesDo 'twixt their fingers flip their cherry stones.
Flip
To turn (a flat object) over with a quick motion; as, to flip a card over; to flip a pancake.
Flip
To cause (a person) to turn against former colleagues, such as to become a witness for the state, in a criminal prosecution in which the person is a defendant.
Flip
To resell (an asset) rapidly to make a quick profit.
Flip
To become insane or irrational; - often used with out; as, seeing her mother killed made the girl flip out.
Flip
An acrobatic feat in which the feet roll over the head (either forward or backward) and return
Flip
Hot or cold alcoholic mixed drink containing a beaten egg
Flip
The act of flipping a coin
Flip
A dive in which the diver somersaults before entering the water
Flip
(sports) the act of throwing the ball to another member of your team;
The pass was fumbled
Flip
Lightly throw to see which side comes up;
I don't know what to do--I may as well flip a coin!
Flip
Cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation;
Switch on the light
Throw the lever
Flip
Look through a book or other written material;
He thumbed through the report
She leafed through the volume
Flip
Toss with a sharp movement so as to cause to turn over in the air
Flip
Cause to move with a flick;
He flicked his Bic
Flip
Throw or toss with a light motion;
Flip me the beachball
Toss me newspaper
Flip
Move with a flick or light motion
Flip
Turn upside down, or throw so as to reverse;
Flip over the pork chop
Turn over the pancakes
Flip
Go mad, go crazy;
He flipped when he heard that he was being laid off
Flip
Reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)
Flip
Marked by casual disrespect;
A flip answer to serious question
The student was kept in for impudent behavior
Common Curiosities
What is a somersault?
A somersault is a full rotation of the body over its horizontal axis, typically executed in the air, showcasing advanced gymnastic skill.
What is a flip?
A flip is a quick rotation of the body around its horizontal axis, often performed as part of gymnastics or cheerleading.
How do flips differ from somersaults in complexity?
Flips are generally less complex than somersaults, requiring basic technique, while somersaults demand more advanced skills.
Do flips require special equipment?
No, flips can be performed with minimal to no equipment, although mats are recommended for safety.
Can beginners perform somersaults?
Somersaults are usually recommended for intermediate to advanced practitioners due to their complexity.
Are flips used in competitive sports?
Yes, flips are commonly used in gymnastics, cheerleading, and diving competitions.
Are flips or somersaults more dangerous?
Somersaults carry a higher risk due to the full rotation and need for precise control and execution.
Can flips be done outdoors?
Yes, flips can be safely executed outdoors on soft surfaces like grass.
What skills are needed for a flip?
Basic body control, spatial awareness, and the ability to rotate around the horizontal axis are essential for performing a flip.
What skills are necessary for a somersault?
Advanced body control, precise timing, and spatial awareness are crucial for executing somersaults.
Can flips be part of a dance routine?
Yes, flips are often incorporated into dance routines for their dynamic visual effect.
Where can somersaults be performed?
Somersaults require ample space and are typically performed in gymnastics facilities or similar environments.
How do athletes prepare for somersaults?
Athletes typically undergo rigorous training, focusing on strength, flexibility, and technique.
What is the key to mastering somersaults?
Consistent practice, proper technique, and a good understanding of body mechanics are key to mastering somersaults.
How do somersaults enhance a gymnastic performance?
Somersaults add complexity and visual appeal, demonstrating an athlete's advanced skill level.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
