Character Armature flip

I’m trying to learn to control my armatures better. I had started this animation using inverse kinematics, but the joints would rotate in directions I didn’t want them going and I was having to do more tweaking than I wanted. I switched to forward kinematics- making it easier to copy and paste poses and generally making everything better. I animated this without any references (besides picturing it in my head). I’m working on a short video (2-5 minutes) and I’m going for the ultra-real look. I’ll probably be done in a few months. Until then, take a look at this:

http://www.fireengine51.org/blender/flip.avi

Wow you are alot better than me!! Check this:
http://xwarriorblender.tripod.com/myblendersite/id5.html
and click on the links: Click here to play video

nice, the flip looks pretty realistic, my only suggestion is have him curl up more during the rotation, like a ball, maybe hans looped over his knees. i have a few gymnastic friends that flip very well. but still looks great!!!

:o Very impressive! As scrappy said, make the hands move a bit more.

BgDM