Have you ever watched a skateboarder pull off a tre flip and thought, “Wow, how do they do that?” Tre flips, also known as 360 flips, are one of those eye-catching tricks that seem to draw skateboarding enthusiasts, whether you’re a beginner hungry to learn or a seasoned skater looking to spice up your trick list. If you’re aiming to add this stylish trick to your repertoire, you’re in for an exciting journey.
Understanding the Tre Flip
Before jumping into practicing, it’s important to thoroughly understand what a tre flip involves. A tre flip is a combination of two moves: a kickflip and a 360-degree shove-it. This means your skateboard rotates horizontally by 360 degrees while simultaneously flipping in the air. It’s a trick that requires dexterity, balance, and timing.
Components of a Tre Flip
- Kickflip: This is where the board flips underneath you. It’s one of the first flip tricks skaters often learn.
- 360 Shove-it: In this move, the board spins 360 degrees on the ground’s axis.
By combining these two moves, you execute a tre flip, resulting in a dynamic, impressive trick that’s sure to turn heads.
Gearing Up for Your Tre Flip
Getting started on your tre flip journey requires preparation. From having the right gear to setting up in a comfortable environment, these initial steps can make the learning process much smoother.
Choosing the Right Gear
Your skateboard setup is crucial for learning a tre flip. Here’s a quick table to help you determine the best components:
| Part | Key considerations |
|---|---|
| Deck | Medium width (around 7.75 to 8.25 inches) for stability and flip control. |
| Trucks | Snug but responsive. Make sure your trucks are not too tight or too loose. |
| Wheels | Mid-size wheels (52-54mm) for balance between speed and control. |
| Bearings | Good quality bearings for a smooth ride, like ABEC 7 or higher. |
| Shoes | Choose skate shoes with good grip and cushioning for comfort during attempts. |
Practicing Conditions
Before making an attempt, make sure you have a suitable practice area. Look for a location with a flat, smooth surface and plenty of space. An obstacle-free environment is key for beginners to safely practice tre flips.
Mastering the Preliminary Skills
It’s essential to master some foundational skills before attempting a tre flip. Solidifying these skills ensures you’ve built the necessary balance and motion control needed to execute the trick.
Kickflip Proficiency
Being comfortable with kickflips is a stepping stone to mastering tre flips. Practice consistently until you can execute a clean kickflip with confidence. Focus on your foot positioning, flick technique, and timing.
Shove-it Practice
Another fundamental skill is the 360 shove-it. Getting comfortable with propelling the board in a full 360-degree rotation is crucial. Mastery of this motion will help seamlessly integrate the spin into your tre flip.
Step-By-Step Guide to Performing a Tre Flip
Once you’re prepped and ready, it’s time to break down the tre flip into manageable steps. Approach each step at your own pace, taking time to practice and refine each motion.
Step 1: Foot Placement
Positioning your feet correctly on your board is foundational to a successful tre flip. Here’s how:
- Back Foot: Place your back foot on the tail, with your toes hanging slightly off the edge. This helps with the shove-it motion.
- Front Foot: Position your front foot in the middle of the board, angled slightly towards the nose. Effective positioning assists with the kickflip component.
Step 2: Executing the Pop and Scoop
The pop and scoop combination propels the tre flip’s motion:
- Pop: Push down on the tail with your back foot to initiate the flip.
- Scoop: As you pop, scoop the tail with your toes. This initiation spins the board in a 360-degree motion.
Step 3: Performing the Flick
While your back foot handles the pop and scoop, your front foot takes charge of the flip:
- Flick: Flick your front foot off the edge, promoting the spinning motion. This action ensures the board does a complete flip along with the rotation.
Step 4: Timing the Jump and Catch
Key to pulling off a tre flip is precise timing:
- Jump: Leap into the air as your board is flipping. Aim to keep your body centered over the board.
- Catch: Spot the griptape as the board completes its flip. Catch it with your feet before landing.
Step 5: The Landing
A smooth landing is crucial. Aim to land with both your feet on the bolts for optimal balance. Bend your knees to absorb the impact, helping maintain control as you ride away.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Learning a tre flip can be daunting, with many hurdles to overcome. If you find yourself struggling with specific aspects, here are common challenges and their solutions:
The Board Doesn’t Flip Fully
- Solution: Check your foot placement and flick. Adjust the angle and pressure of your flick to guarantee the full rotation.
Uneven Landing
- Solution: Focus on staying balanced throughout your jump. Practice landing on the center of the board with your knees slightly bent.
Trouble with the Scoop
- Solution: Ensure your back foot is correctly placed on the tail. Elevate your scoop motion, applying more force, if needed.
Tips for Building Confidence
Confidence is a huge factor when attempting a tre flip. Here are some actionable tips:
- Consistent Practice: Dedicate regular time to practice. Frequency builds muscle memory and confidence.
- Visualize Success: Mentally rehearsing the trick can instill a sense of familiarity and confidence.
- Learn from Mistakes: Analyze what went wrong in unsuccessful attempts to refine your technique.
Safety Considerations
Always wear protective gear like a helmet and pads, especially if you’re new to skateboarding or practicing difficult tricks in potentially hazardous environments.
Progressing Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve cracked the basics, challenge yourself with variations and more complex applications of the tre flip.
Experimenting with Style
Trying different styles can add flair to your tre flip and make it uniquely yours:
- Height and Distance: Work on jumping higher or extending your travel to create more dramatic flips.
- Speed: Increase your rolling speed while attempting tre flips for a more adrenaline-packed execution.
Combining Tricks
Once you have tre flips down, mix them into combos. This takes your skating to new creative heights:
- Tre Flip to Manual: Combine your tre flip with a transition into a manual trick.
- Tre Flip on Ledges or Stairs: Increase difficulty by incorporating tre flips into ledges or stair sets.
Conclusion
Successfully performing a tre flip requires a blend of skill, perseverance, and courage. By understanding the trick’s components, laying a solid groundwork through preliminary skills, and practicing diligently, you’re well on your way to mastering this spectacular maneuver. Whether you’re spinning for fun or aiming to impress, remember that every attempt advances your skills. Keep the sessions frequent, celebrate small victories, and enjoy the rewarding challenge that skateboard tre flips bring to your craft.
