Have you ever stood in awe watching a skateboarder execute a perfect heelflip and thought, “How on earth do they do that?” You’re not alone! The heelflip is one of the most iconic and widely admired tricks in skateboarding. It’s a combination of balance, timing, and technique that, when mastered, feels incredibly rewarding. If you’re ready to tackle this trick, let’s break it down together step by step.
Understanding the Heelflip
Before we even start, it’s important to understand what a heelflip actually is. A heelflip involves flipping the skateboard using your front foot’s heel. This trick is similar to the kickflip but essentially the opposite motion, where you kick the board with your heel instead of your toes. The board rotates around its axis, performing a full 360-degree flip beneath you.
The Basic Mechanics
Understanding the mechanics behind a heelflip can give you a mental picture of what you’re aiming for. The goal is to pop the board into the air with an ollie motion while flicking it with your heel, causing it to rotate. As the board spins, you’ll need to maintain control in mid-air and prepare for landing. Mastering these sequences in tandem is key to a successful heelflip.
Gear Check: Your Skateboard and Safety Equipment
An essential part of any skateboarding trick, including the heelflip, is using a suitable skateboard and proper safety equipment. Let’s look at what you need.
Skateboard Setup
Having the right board can influence your ability to perform a heelflip. Ensure your deck is in good condition, with no cracks or structural weaknesses. The grip tape should be clean and rough enough to provide traction. Ideal deck width depends on personal preference but generally ranges from 7.5″ to 8.5″.
Safety Equipment
Never underestimate the importance of safety gear. Helmets, knee pads, and gloves can save you from unexpected injuries. Wrist guards are also beneficial, as falls often lead to instinctively putting your hands out to catch yourself.
Breaking Down the Heelflip Steps
Mastering a heelflip starts with understanding each part of the trick independently.
Step 1: Foot Placement
Positioning is crucial. Place your back foot on the tail as you would for an ollie. Position your front foot with the toes slightly hanging off the edge of the board, angled at about 45 degrees. This angle helps facilitate the heel flick needed to rotate the board.
Step 2: The Pop
Execute the pop by pressing down firmly with your back foot, as you would for an ollie. This movement should be explosive enough to elevate the board off the ground.
Step 3: Flicking the Heel
As the board lifts, slide your front foot up the deck and use your heel to flick it outwards. This flick should be quick and controlled, sending the board into a horizontal spin.
Step 4: Catching the Board
Once the board completes its rotation, spot the griptape side of your deck. Be prepared to catch it with your back foot, then quickly follow with your front foot.
Step 5: Landing
As the board comes down, level your feet and bend your knees to absorb the impact. Maintaining balance upon landing is crucial to completing the trick.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even with the best intentions, errors happen. Let’s discuss some common mishaps and how to correct them.
Mistake 1: Insufficient Pop
If your board doesn’t flip fully, it might be due to a weak pop. Focus on making your tail hit the ground sharply.
Mistake 2: Weak Flick
A weak flick could lead to an incomplete rotation. Ensure your heel flicks outwards with purpose. Practice the motion without pop to get a feel for the correct flick.
Mistake 3: Landing Off Balance
Losing balance on landing can often result from not leveling out. Concentrate on keeping your shoulders aligned with the board and bend your knees upon impact.
Pro Tips
- Keep Shoulders Parallel: Try to keep your shoulders parallel with your board to maintain balance.
- Eye on the Board: Always keep your eye on the board to anticipate its movements.
- Practice Without Pop: Familiarize yourself with the flicking motion by practicing without popping the board.
Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve got a grip on the basic heelflip, you can start experimenting with variations and more complex techniques that incorporate the heelflip.
Fakie Heelflip
A fakie heelflip combines a backward stance, adding an extra layer of complexity. Begin rolling backward and apply the same heelflip technique, but expect the timing and balance to differ slightly.
Nollie Heelflip
This variation uses the nose of the skateboard to pop. Switch your position, making your front foot the popping foot, and execute the heelflip technique. It requires a bit more skill and balance.
Switch Heelflip
Performing a heelflip in the switch stance (opposite of your natural stance) demands proficiency in both regular and switch skating. This trick challenges your adaptability and balance.
Keeping a Positive Attitude
Like any challenging skill, mastering the heelflip takes time, patience, and a positive mindset. Remember, every skateboarder once struggled with this trick before finally nailing it. Celebrate small progressions and maintain a fun, light approach to learning.
Learning Mentality
Approach practice with a learning mentality—expect falls, analyze your attempts, and be open to adjusting your technique. Take breaks if you feel frustrated to return with a fresh perspective.
Consistent Practice
Consistency is your best friend in skateboarding. Regular practice helps cement the muscle memory needed to perfect your heelflip.
Community Support
Joining a skateboarding community can offer encouragement and tips from fellow skaters. Sharing experiences makes the learning process more enjoyable and less isolating.
Wrapping Up
In the journey to mastering a heelflip, persistence and patience are as important as practice itself. Remember, each step you take brings you closer to achieving this impressive trick. So, put on your helmet, grab your board, and give it another go. Happy skating, and may your heelflips become a signature move!