The purpose of this study was to present the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of backward somersault, a basic skill of gymnastics, for elite and armature gymnasts based on cinematographic analysis. Five elite gymnasts(age: 20.8 ± 1.3yrs, height: 163.3 ± 4.0㎝, weight: 60.8 ± 5.0㎏) and 5 amateur gymnasts/age; 20.4 ± 0.6yrs, height: 171.3 ± 1.6㎝, weight: 62.3 ± 4.1㎏) participated in this study. Based on the results of this study, the conclusions were drawn as follows. 1. During the takeoff phase, stronger second peak of vertical ground reaction force(VGRF) was found to be an important factor for a successful backward somersault. 2. At the toe-off moment, high velocity to project the center of mass as high as possible was rather important than hyper-extension of the hip joint to create rotational momentum. 3. Quick tugging motion during the airborne phase was found to be important with the flexion of knee, hip and waist at highest center of mass(COM). 4. Prior to landing, the rotational motion of airborne should be completed.