Learning how to kickflip is an important and exciting milestone in any skateboarder’s journey. This trick involves flipping your skateboard in the air while jumping and then landing back on it.
While it may seem difficult at first, this comprehensive guide will offer step-by-step instructions to help anyone become a master of the kickflip. With practice and patience, you can learn how to execute a perfect kickflip with ease.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Kickflip:
To execute a kickflip, there are several key factors to consider. Let’s break down each step in detail:
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Foot Positioning | Proper foot positioning is key to executing a kickflip. Your back foot should be placed on the tail of the skateboard, while your front foot should be positioned just behind the front trucks, with your toes hanging off the edge slightly. |
| Board Pop | Popping the board is the first and most important step in executing a successful kickflip. To do this, jump off the ground, pushing down on the tail of the skateboard with your back foot to pop the board into the air. |
| Front Foot Slide | As you jump, slide your front foot towards the middle of the board to start the flip. The placement of your front foot is crucial to getting the right amount of flip. |
| Back Foot Flick | Flick your ankle outwards with your front foot to start the board spinning. The timing of the flick is crucial to getting the board to flip over completely. |
| Timing | Timing is crucial when it comes to executing a kickflip. You need to pop the board with your back foot and flick your front foot outwards at the same time, just as the board starts to pop into the air. |
| Body Rotation | As the board starts to spin, your body should rotate in the opposite direction to keep you balanced in the air. |
| Board Catch | Catching the board after a kickflip is essential to landing the trick. You should watch the board closely and prepare to catch it with your front foot as it completes its rotation. |
| Landing Technique | When you catch the board, bend your knees to absorb the impact and prepare for the landing. Use your back foot to level out the board and make any necessary adjustments before landing. |
| Commitment | Commitment is key to landing a kickflip. You need to be confident in your ability to execute the trick and commit to the landing. |
| Skateboard Setup | The setup of your skateboard can have an impact on your ability to execute a kickflip. Make sure your board is the right size and has the right amount of concave to make flipping the board easier. |
| Practice | Practice is essential to mastering the kickflip. Keep practicing the steps until you feel comfortable and confident in your ability to execute the trick. |
| Patience | Patience is also key to mastering the kickflip. Don’t get frustrated if it takes a while to get it right – keep practicing and you’ll get there. |
| Persistence | Finally, persistence is essential to mastering any skateboard trick. Keep working on your kickflip, even if it takes a while to get it right. With persistence and dedication, you’ll be able to land the trick consistently. |
Foot Positioning:
For proper foot positioning when learning how to kickflip, start by placing your front foot in the middle of the skateboard, with your toes dangling over the edge. Your back foot should then be positioned towards the tail end of the board, with your toes still hanging off of it.
Make sure you keep your feet shoulder-width apart and avoid having them too close together (or too far apart). This will provide you with a good balance, allowing you to stay in control throughout all stages of the trick.
Board Pop:
To execute a kickflip, you need to start by quickly and forcefully popping the tail of the skateboard down against the ground with your back foot. This movement will create lift, allowing your board to flip in the air.
For the best results, make sure you keep both feet glued to the board until it reaches its peak before doing a jump as this will give it more momentum when rotating. As you pop your board, visualize a propeller spinning as this will help you gain more control over its direction and trajectory.
Front Foot Slide:
To initiate the board’s spin in the air, you need to slide your front foot up towards the nose of the skateboard. Make sure you remain focused and don’t overthink your movements as this will throw off your timing and lead to an unsuccessful kickflip.
Keep your body centered and slide calmly with confidence. This will ensure that you maintain control of the board throughout its rotation in the air.
Back Foot Flick:
As the skateboard begins to rotate in the air, you need to use your back foot to flick it forward and away from your body. This motion will cause the board’s rotation to accelerate and should lead to a successful flip.
It takes practice to get this movement right, so make sure you pay attention to how much force is needed for each kickflip. With time, you’ll be able to master this trick and take your skateboarding skills to the next level.
Timing:
Timing is incredibly important when it comes to kickflips. You need to make sure that you pop the board at the right moment and flick your back foot forward at the perfect time.
This will help ensure that you rotate the board properly and give it enough momentum to complete its flip in the air. Too much or too little force and your flip won’t be successful. Practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you get your timing just right!
Body Rotation:
For a successful kickflip, you need to make sure the board is properly rotated while in the air. As it’s flipping, you should rotate your body so that it aligns itself with the board’s rotation. This will ensure that you’re able to land back on your board when it flips all the way around.
Make sure to keep your balance and focus on keeping your body aligned with the board for a successful landing every time.
Board Catch:
After completing the rotation in the air, it’s important to catch your board with your feet before landing. The timing here is key – position your feet as soon as you can to make sure you’re able to effectively catch the board before it hits the ground.
Keep practicing until you get the hang of it and have a smooth board catch every time!
Landing Technique:
When you’re ready to land, it’s important to keep your knees slightly bent so that the impact is absorbed and not too hard on your body.
Aim for a balanced landing where both feet are evenly spaced across the board – this will help keep your balance when you start to ride. Practice different techniques until you find a consistent one that works for you!
Commitment:
Commitment is an essential part of doing a kickflip. Make sure you start with confidence and don’t hesitate or pull back during the trick – doing so can lead to falls and injuries.
Try to stay focused throughout the trick and commit to the full motion in order to successfully complete it. With enough practice, you should be able to do kickflips with ease!
Skateboard Setup:
Your skateboard setup can have a huge effect on your ability to successfully execute a kickflip. Make sure you’re riding with the right size board for your size of feet and that the grip tape is suitable for your shoes – it should provide enough grip for you to be able to perform maneuvers comfortably.
Having the right setup will make it easier and more enjoyable to land a kickflip!
Practice:
Practicing is essential to mastering the kickflip. Break down each step and practice them slowly at first, until you feel comfortable combining them together.
Aim for about 30 minutes of practice a day if possible – as with any skill, repetition and consistency are key! With enough practice, you’ll soon be able to land kickflips with ease!
Patience:
Learning how to kickflip requires patience – it won’t happen overnight! Don’t get down on yourself if you don’t get it right away.
With consistent practice and a positive attitude, you’ll be able to land the trick in no time. Keep at it and don’t give up – your hard work will pay off!
Persistence:
Don’t give up if you’re struggling to learn the kickflip! Persistence and determination are key when it comes to mastering any new skill.
Keep practicing and trying different techniques until you get it right – with enough hard work, the trick will eventually become second nature.
Additional Tips:
In addition to the above steps, there are a few additional tips that can help you improve your kickflip.
- Experiment with different foot positions and find what works best for you.
- Practice on a smooth and flat surface to minimize obstacles and make learning easier.
- Watching tutorial videos or getting advice from experienced skaters can also be beneficial!
- Finally, familiarize yourself with other basic skateboarding tricks like ollies and 360-degree turns to improve your balance and control before attempting the kickflip.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the kickflip is an essential trick for any skateboarder. With the right techniques and a little determination, anyone can learn how to do it. This comprehensive guide was designed to help you master the kickflip and take your skateboarding skills to greater heights.
Remember, patience and persistence are essential when learning something new – don’t give up when progress is slow! Keep practicing, reflecting on your mistakes, and experimenting with different techniques until you gain the confidence to land perfect kickflips every time.
How do I pop the board correctly when attempting a kickflip?
Popping the board is the first and most important step when attempting a kickflip.
- To begin, place your back foot on the tail of the skateboard, with your toes slightly hanging off the edge.
- Be sure to also bend your knees and crouch down, getting ready to jump.
- Once you are set to go, jump off the ground and push down on the tail of the skateboard with your back foot to pop it into the air.
- At this point, be sure to slide your front foot towards the middle of the board and flick your ankle outwards – this will start the flip motion.
- Finally, focus on jumping straight up rather than forward in order to give the board enough room to spin.
With all these steps in mind, you should be well equipped to land a successful kickflip!
How do I catch the board with my feet after performing a kickflip?
Catching the board after a kickflip is key to successfully landing the trick. For best results, here’s what you should do:
- As the board starts to spin, keep your eyes on it and get ready for your front foot to catch it.
- When the board has completed its rotation, bring your front foot up to meet it and guide it down to the ground.
- Bend your knees slightly as the board comes down in order to absorb the impact and prepare for a successful landing.
- Use your back foot to level out any imperfections in the landing, adjusting as necessary until it’s perfectly flat on the ground.
With plenty of practice, soon you’ll be able to catch and land kickflips with ease!
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!