Have you ever been mesmerized by skateboarders flipping their boards effortlessly in mid-air and landing like it’s no big deal? Chances are, you’ve seen a kickflip. It’s one of the quintessential tricks in the skateboarding world and a rite of passage for any skater eager to elevate their skills. Learning how to kickflip on a skateboard can seem intimidating at first, but with some patience and practice, you can definitely master it.
What is a Kickflip?
A kickflip is a skateboarding trick that involves flipping the skateboard 360 degrees along the board’s long axis while the skater is in mid-air. This trick is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s also a fundamental building block for more advanced flip tricks.
Why Learn a Kickflip?
Learning a kickflip is not just about looking cool. It’s a foundational trick that can help improve your overall balance, timing, and control on the skateboard. Plus, once you have the kickflip down, you’ll find that other advanced tricks become easier to learn.
Essential Gear
Before you start practicing your kickflips, you need to ensure you have the right gear. Safety is paramount, and having suitable equipment will make learning easier.
| Gear | Description |
|---|---|
| Skateboard | A standard skateboard will do, but ensure it’s in good condition. |
| Skate Shoes | Good grip and flat soles are essential for control and flicking the board. |
| Helmet | Protect your head from falls. Safety first. |
| Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, Wrist Guards | Essential for beginners to avoid injuries. |
Prerequisites: Mastering the Basics
Before you embark on learning how to kickflip, it’s crucial to have some fundamental skateboarding skills under your belt. These basics will give you the foundation you need to get that board flipping in no time.
Riding Comfortable
You should be comfortable riding your skateboard, meaning you can push off, cruise, and turn without losing your balance.
Ollie
A kickflip is essentially an ollie combined with a flip of the board. So, if you haven’t already, spend some time perfecting your ollie. This will make the learning process much smoother and faster.
Step-by-Step Guide to Learning a Kickflip
Ready to get started? Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you learn how to kickflip on a skateboard. Each step is broken down into simple components so you can absorb new techniques more efficiently.
Step 1: Foot Placement
Foot placement is crucial for a successful kickflip.
- Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail of the skateboard, almost identical to where you’d place it for an ollie.
- Front Foot: Place your front foot slightly behind the front bolts at a 45-degree angle. This enables a flick necessary for the flip.
| Foot | Position |
|---|---|
| Back Foot | On the tail of the skateboard, pressuring it like you would for an ollie |
| Front Foot | Slightly behind the front bolts at a 45-degree angle |
Step 2: Crouch and Pop
Once your feet are in position, it’s time to crouch down and pop the board.
- Crouch: Bend your knees to get a good crouch. This will give you the lift needed to bring the skateboard into the air.
- Pop: With a sharp motion, pop the tail of the skateboard down to initiate the lift. Remember, this should feel nearly identical to an ollie.
Step 3: The Flick
This is the critical part of the kickflip where most beginners struggle.
- As the skateboard starts to rise from the pop, use the toe of your front foot to flick off the edge of the skateboard. Aim for the corner pocket for a clean flip.
- This flicking motion should be a quick swipe that sends the board spinning beneath you.
Step 4: Catching the Board
After the flick, you need to prepare to catch the board.
- Stay centered: Keep your body centered over the board as it flips. This will help you anticipate when to catch it.
- Catch with both feet: Watch the board as it completes the flip, then catch it with both feet. Ensure your feet are above the bolts to distribute your weight evenly.
Step 5: Land and Roll Away
Finally, you need to land the trick and roll away smoothly.
- As the board completes its flip, bring your feet down to catch it over the bolts. This will give you stability as you land.
- Bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact, then roll away with confidence.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with a solid understanding of the steps, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how you can troubleshoot them:
The Board Doesn’t Flip
If the board isn’t flipping properly, it’s usually due to a weak flick. Make sure you’re using the corner of the skateboard and giving it a good, sharp kick with your front foot.
The Board Flips Too Much or Too Little
This problem often arises from inconsistent flicks. Spend some time practicing the flick motion separately. You’ll get a better sense of how much force is required to get a single, clean rotation.
Can’t Land with Both Feet
A common issue is catching the board with one foot while the other lags behind. Try to keep your shoulders straight and your weight centered over the skateboard. This balanced posture helps in landing with both feet together.
Tips to Accelerate Learning
Learning to kickflip can take some time, but there are ways to speed up the process and make your practice sessions more effective.
Consistent Practice
Consistency is key. Dedicate a portion of your day specifically to practicing kickflips. Regular practice will help muscle memory take over, making each component of the trick more natural.
Video Analysis
Recording yourself while practicing can be incredibly insightful. Watching your attempts can help you identify what’s going wrong and how to adjust your techniques.
Seek Feedback
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Whether it’s from friends who skate or online skateboarding communities, feedback can offer new perspectives and tips you might not have considered.
Advanced Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic kickflip, there are several advanced variations you can try. These tricks not only look impressive but also help refine your control and precision on the skateboard.
Double Kickflip
As the name suggests, a double kickflip involves flipping the board twice before landing. The flick needs to be stronger, and you have to catch the board with immaculate timing.
Kickflip Indy
This variation combines a kickflip with an Indy grab. The board flips as you grab it with your rear hand, then pull it back under your feet for the landing.
Heelflip
Though not a direct variation of the kickflip, the heelflip flips the board in the opposite direction using the heel of your front foot. Learning the heelflip can give you better control over foot positioning and flicking techniques.
Kickflip Underflip
This advanced trick requires you to flip the board one way with a kickflip and then use your foot to flick it in the opposite direction before landing. Timing and coordination are crucial for this variation.
Maintaining Your Skateboard
A well-maintained skateboard will perform better and make it easier to learn new tricks. Here’s a shortlist of maintenance activities you should regularly perform.
| Maintenance Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Tighten/Loosen Trucks | Adjust for better control or more maneuverability |
| Check Bearings | Ensure they’re clean and lubricated for a smoother ride |
| Grip Tape Cleanliness | Keep your grip tape clean for consistent foot traction |
| Inspect Deck for Damage | Look for cracks or chips that may affect performance |
| Rotate Wheels | Helps in even wear and extends the life of the wheels |
Conclusion
Learning how to kickflip on a skateboard might seem daunting at first, but it’s totally achievable with dedication, practice, and the right techniques. Remember to start with the basics, focus on your foot positioning, and practice each step diligently. Don’t get discouraged by initial failures; every skateboarder goes through periods of trial and error before landing their first kickflip.
Before you know it, you’ll be the one flipping your board in mid-air, inspiring others to take on the challenge of mastering this classic trick. So get your gear, head to your practice spot, and start working towards that perfect kickflip. Happy skating!
