how to do a kickflip

jangame

3 min read

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03-03-2025

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Meta Description: Learn how to kickflip like a pro! This comprehensive guide breaks down the steps, from stance and pop to flick and landing, with helpful tips and tricks for beginners. Master this iconic skateboarding trick today!

Getting Started: The Foundation of a Kickflip

Before you even think about flipping your board, you need a solid foundation. This means comfortable riding, consistent ollies, and a good understanding of your balance on the board.

1. Comfortable Riding: You should be able to ride comfortably at a moderate speed, push effectively, and maintain your balance without constantly adjusting your weight. Practice cruising around, getting a feel for your board's movement.

2. Consistent Ollie: The ollie is the bedrock of the kickflip. If you can't reliably ollie, you won't be able to kickflip. Practice your ollie until you can consistently jump high enough to have time to perform the flip.

3. Proper Stance: Your feet should be placed comfortably, but firmly on the board. Experiment to find a stance that feels natural, but generally, your front foot should be positioned slightly angled behind the front bolts, and your back foot should be placed near the tail, but not directly on it.

Breaking Down the Kickflip: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's break down the kickflip into manageable steps:

1. The Setup: Start rolling at a comfortable speed. Maintain a balanced stance.

2. The Pop: Just like an ollie, you'll initiate the kickflip with a powerful pop from your back foot. Drive your weight down into your back foot, sliding it towards the tail, to send the board into the air.

3. The Flick: This is the trickiest part. As the board leaves the ground, use the ball of your front foot to flick the board outwards and upwards. The flick should be a swift, decisive motion, aiming to hit the board's side near the bolts. Imagine you're scooping the board, not just kicking it.

4. The Catch: Once the board has done a 360-degree rotation, prepare to catch it. Bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact. Let the board land naturally under your feet.

5. The Landing: Maintain your balance and roll away smoothly. Practice landing with your feet slightly above the bolts for better stability.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Not enough pop: If the board isn't getting enough height, focus on your back foot's power and technique. Practice your ollies to improve your pop.
• Inconsistent flick: A weak or inconsistent flick will result in a failed kickflip. Practice the flick motion separately, without a board, until you've mastered the movement.
• Catching the board incorrectly: Make sure you're positioning your feet to catch the board squarely. Practice your landings to develop better balance and control.
• Landing too hard: Bend your knees! Absorbing the impact with your legs will prevent you from losing your balance.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Start slow: Don’t try to perform a kickflip at high speed initially. Start at a slow roll and gradually increase your speed as your technique improves.
• Practice makes perfect: Consistent practice is key. Set aside dedicated time to practice and be patient with yourself. It takes time and effort to master any skateboarding trick.
• Film yourself: Recording your attempts will help you identify areas for improvement. Review the footage to pinpoint any mistakes in your technique.
• Use a softer surface: Start practicing on grass or softer ground to make landing easier and avoid painful falls.
• Break it down: Focus on each part individually: Ollie, flick, catch, and landing, then combine them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of skateboard is best for learning kickflips?

A: A standard skateboard with a relatively stiff deck is ideal. Avoid overly flexible or overly stiff boards when starting out.

Q: How long does it take to learn a kickflip?

A: It varies greatly depending on your prior skateboarding experience, dedication, and natural ability. Some learn quickly, while others may take weeks or even months. Don't get discouraged!

Q: What if I keep landing on my tail?

A: This often indicates a problem with your flick. Ensure you're using the ball of your front foot to scoop the board, not just kicking it. Try to flick the board outwards, more than upwards.

Mastering the kickflip takes time, patience, and practice, but the feeling of landing your first one is incredibly rewarding. So grab your board and start practicing – you got this!