Have you ever watched skaters at the park and seen someone do a laser flip, leaving you in awe? If you’re here to learn how to master that trick, you’re in the right place. The laser flip is one of the most impressive and complex tricks in skateboarding. It combines the elements of a 360 flip with a varial heelflip, making it a spectacle to behold.
What is a Laser Flip?
Before you get started, it’s essential to understand what exactly you’re aiming to accomplish. A laser flip, also known as a 360 heelflip, involves a full 360-degree rotation of the board along with a heelflip. The motion combines the spin of a 360 shove-it and the flip of a heelflip simultaneously. The trick is called a “laser” flip because it looks almost as elusive and magical as a laser beam when executed perfectly.
Why Learn a Laser Flip?
Every skater has their reasons for wanting to learn specific tricks. Here are some compelling motives for mastering the laser flip:
- Technical Skill: Learning a laser flip can significantly boost your technical skills, making other tricks easier to grasp.
- Impressive Addition: Adding a laser flip to your trick list will impress your friends and fellow skaters.
- Personal Achievement: Mastering this trick is a significant accomplishment and an excellent way to measure your progress in skateboarding.
Prerequisites: What You Should Know First
Before you jump into attempting a laser flip, there are a few foundational tricks and skills you should be comfortable with:
| Trick/Skill | Importance Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ollie | Essential | The fundamental trick; crucial for almost every skate trick. |
| Heelflip | Highly Recommended | Because a laser flip incorporates a heelflip. |
| 360 Pop Shove-It | Highly Recommended | Understanding this motion will make the laser flip easier. |
| Board Control | Essential | General skill and comfort on the skateboard are vital. |
Practice these Tricks
If you’re not already proficient in these tricks, spend some time practicing them. The better you know these foundational moves, the easier it will be to learn a laser flip.
Gear Check: Make Sure Your Setup is Right
Different setups can make a big difference in how tricks are executed. Here are some gear considerations to keep in mind:
Skateboard Deck
Choose a deck that you feel comfortable with. A medium-width deck (7.75″ – 8.25″) is often recommended for technical tricks like the laser flip. The width you’ll prefer depends on your foot size and skating style, but a medium deck offers a good balance between stability and maneuverability.
Trucks
Make sure your trucks are properly tightened. Loose trucks can make flipping and spinning tricks more challenging, especially when you’re perfecting a laser flip.
Wheels
Slightly harder wheels (96A – 101A) are often preferable for technical tricks. These wheels roll faster and offer less grip, making flip tricks smoother. However, the exact hardness you prefer might vary based on your skating surface.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Laser Flip
Now that you understand the prerequisites and have your gear in check, let’s break down the laser flip into achievable steps.
Stance and Foot Placement
Getting your foot placement right is critical for executing a laser flip. Here’s how to position your feet:
- Front Foot: Place your front foot slightly angled, with your toes near the middle of the board. The ball of your foot should be touching the tail-side edge.
- Back Foot: Your back foot should be on the tail, almost entirely covering it, ready to scoop the board.
Scooping and Popping
When you start the laser flip, your back foot will need to do two things at once: scoop the board and pop it into the air.
- Scoop: Use your back foot to scoop the tail of the skateboard in a 360-degree rotation. The motion is somewhat similar to winding up and snapping a rubber band.
- Pop: As you scoop, pop the tail forcefully against the ground to elevate the board.
The Flip: Executing the Heelflip
While your back foot is busy scooping, your front foot will execute the heelflip.
- Slide and Kick: Slide your front foot up toward the nose of your skateboard and then flick it off the heel-side edge. This motion will initiate the heelflip.
- Timing: The timing of the flick is crucial. It must coincide with the board’s upward motion from the pop to create the necessary flip.
Combine and Commit
Combining the 360 shove-it motion and the heelflip is the essence of the laser flip.
- Stay Centered: Keep your weight centered over the board. If you lean too far in any direction, you’re likely to lose control.
- Mid-Air Balance: Focus on maintaining your balance while the board spins and flips beneath you. Your arms and body will naturally help adjust your balance.
- Commit: The key to landing any trick, including the laser flip, is commitment. Half-hearted attempts rarely succeed, so go all-in.
Landing
Once you’ve got the board spinning and flipping appropriately, the next challenge is landing.
- Spot the Landing: Watch the board as it completes its rotation and flip. By keeping your eyes on it, you’ll be better prepared to land.
- Stay Loose: Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact when you land.
- Land with Both Feet: Aim to land with both feet over the bolts. This provides the best stability and reduces the risk of snapping your board or rolling your ankle.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even experienced skaters can face challenges when learning new tricks. Here are some common mistakes you might encounter and how to overcome them:
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Foot Positioning Off | Ensure your feet are placed correctly before attempting the trick. Adjust as necessary. |
| Under-Rotation | Focus on a more forceful scoop with your back foot. Practice the motion separately if needed. |
| Over-Rotation | Practice controlling the spin. You might be scooping too hard. |
| Not Committing | Fully commit to the trick. Visualize the landing. |
| Poor Flip Execution | Focus on the flick motion of your front foot. Slow the process down if needed. |
Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering a laser flip isn’t going to happen overnight. Here are some tips to make your practice sessions as effective as possible:
Stay Consistent
Regular practice is crucial. Aim to practice daily if possible, even if it’s just for a short period. Consistency helps muscle memory develop more quickly.
Record Yourself
Consider recording your attempts. Watching playback can help you identify what you’re doing right and where you need more adjustment.
Seek Feedback
Don’t be afraid to ask other skaters for feedback. They might have valuable insights or tips that you haven’t considered.
Set Small Goals
Break the trick down into smaller parts and set mini-goals for each session. For example, dedicate one session to perfecting the scoop and pop without worrying about the flip.
Mental Preparation and Resilience
Skateboarding is as much mental as it is physical. It’s vital to prepare mentally for the challenges ahead.
Visualize Success
Before you attempt the trick, spend some time visualizing yourself successfully completing it. This mental practice can provide a significant confidence boost.
Embrace Failure
Failure is a part of learning. Each missed attempt brings you one step closer to landing the trick. Embrace these failures as learning opportunities.
Celebrate Progress
Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Small victories keep you motivated and reinforce positive behavior.
Safety Precautions
As you work on mastering the laser flip, keeping safety in mind is crucial. Here are some basic safety tips:
Wear Protective Gear
Always wear a helmet, and consider using knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, especially when practicing new tricks. Safety gear can prevent or minimize injuries.
Warm-Up
Before you start intensive practice, take some time to warm up. A short session of stretching and basic skating can help prevent strains and injuries.
Know Your Limits
Push yourself, but also know your limits. If you’re feeling unusually fatigued or frustrated, it might be time to take a break.
Safe Practice Environment
Choose a safe and comfortable environment to practice. Smooth, flat surfaces like skateparks or driveways are ideal.
FAQs: Clearing Up Common Queries
Finally, let’s address some frequently asked questions you might have as you work on your laser flip:
How long will it take to learn the laser flip?
The duration varies from skater to skater. Some might get it in a few weeks, while for others, it might take several months. Patience and consistent practice are key.
Do I need a specific type of skateboard?
While any skateboard will do, one that feels comfortable and well-suited for technical tricks can make learning easier. Consider the deck, trucks, and wheels as discussed earlier.
Can I learn this trick without mastering a heelflip?
Technically, yes, but it will be significantly more challenging. The heelflip is a core component of the laser flip, so it’s highly recommended to master it first.
What should I do if I keep getting hurt?
Re-evaluate your approach, practice safety, and perhaps take a break. Consider wearing more protective gear and ensure your technique is sound.
Is there an ideal foot size for laser flips?
Foot size isn’t a significant factor. What matters more is how well you practice and control your board. Adjust your technique as needed to suit your unique physique.
Closing Thoughts
Learning how to do a laser flip on a skateboard is a rewarding yet challenging journey. It will test your skills, patience, and persistence, but the thrill of finally landing one makes it all worth it. Follow this guide, stay dedicated, and practice consistently. With time and effort, you’ll add this mesmerizing trick to your skateboarding repertoire. Keep pushing, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun!