Skateboarding is a thrilling and physically demanding sport that has captivated both enthusiasts and spectators for decades. For those looking to add an extra level of flair to their tricks, mastering pressure flips and hard flips is essential. Pressure flips involve the board flipping in an unconventional manner, while hard flips require a combination of flipping and spinning. Both tricks require precise foot placement, timing, and a good understanding of board control. In this article, we will explore the key elements that make pressure flips and hard flips possible, providing valuable insights and tips to help you take your skateboarding skills to the next level.
Skateboard Pressure Flips
Definition of Pressure Flip
A pressure flip is a popular skateboarding trick that involves using your feet and the pressure applied on the skateboard to flip it while it’s in the air. Unlike other flip tricks, pressure flips require a unique combination of footwork, board setup, and timing to execute successfully. This trick is known for its distinctive and stylish appearance, making it a favorite among skateboarders.
Foot Position
To perform a pressure flip, your foot placement is crucial. Place your front foot with the ball of your foot near the edge of the skateboard, angled slightly towards the nose of the board. Your back foot should be positioned diagonally across the tail, with the toes pointing towards the nose. Finding the right balance and comfort in your foot positioning is essential for executing the trick smoothly.
Board Setup
Having the right board setup is important to achieve a successful pressure flip. You’ll want a skateboard with a medium or high concave, as this will provide better control and stability while flipping the board. Additionally, make sure your skateboard has enough pop. This means having a well-maintained deck and fresh grip tape to ensure a good flick.
Pop and Flick
The pop and flick action is the heart of the pressure flip. To initiate the trick, exert pressure on the tail of the skateboard with your back foot while simultaneously popping the board down and away from you. As the board starts to rise, use the grip of your back foot to flick the edge of the skateboard with a sweeping motion. This flick, combined with the pressure from your front foot, will create the flipping motion of the board.
Body Position
Maintaining the right body position is essential for executing a pressure flip smoothly. As you pop and flick the skateboard, keep your body centered over the board and square your shoulders towards the nose. Bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact upon landing. Maintain balance and focus throughout the entire trick to ensure a clean execution.
Catch and Land
To catch the pressure flip, bring your front foot back above the board and prepare to catch it with the grip of your front foot. Once the board completes the flip, extend your legs and prepare for landing. As the board begins to descend, absorb the impact by bending your knees and making sure your weight is evenly distributed across both feet. Aim to land with control and stability to ride away smoothly.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble with pressure flips, there are a few common issues you may encounter. One common problem is not applying enough pressure on the tail to initiate the flip, resulting in an incomplete rotation. To fix this, make sure to focus on the force you exert on the tail and the timing of your pop and flick motion.
Another issue is an inconsistent flick, causing the board to rotate unevenly. To address this, practice your flick technique and ensure you are applying an even and controlled motion with your back foot. Experiment with the positioning and angle of your foot to find the most effective flick for consistent flips.
Common Mistakes
Skateboarders often face certain mistakes when attempting pressure flips. One common mistake is not fully committing to the trick, leading to a lack of power and rotation. Make sure to commit to the trick and fully engage in the pop and flick motion to generate enough force for a complete rotation.
Another mistake is leaning too far forward or backward during the trick, throwing off balance and causing instability upon landing. Focus on maintaining proper body positioning and staying centered over the skateboard throughout the entire trick.
Practice Tips
To improve your pressure flip technique, consistent practice is key. Start by working on the basic elements individually, such as the pop, flick, and catching motions. Mastering each component separately will make it easier to combine them smoothly.
Film and review your attempts to analyze your technique and identify areas for improvement. Experiment with different foot positions, timing, and board setups to find what works best for you. Remember, practice makes perfect, so dedicate regular sessions to developing your pressure flip skills.
Notable Variations
Skateboarding is all about creativity and personal expression, so it’s no surprise that skateboarders have come up with various variations of the pressure flip. Some notable variations include the “Laser Flip,” which combines the pressure flip with a 360-degree kickflip, and the “Underflip,” where the board flips in the opposite direction of a regular pressure flip. These variations allow skateboarders to add their unique style and flair to the basic pressure flip trick.
Hard Flips
Definition of Hard Flip
The hard flip is another popular and visually appealing skateboarding trick. It combines elements of a kickflip and a frontside pop shove-it, resulting in a unique flipping and spinning motion. With precise foot placement and timing, the hard flip offers skateboarders a chance to showcase technical skill and style.
Foot Position
The foot positioning for a hard flip is similar to that of a kickflip. Position your front foot near the bolts of the skateboard, angled diagonally with the ball of your foot just off the edge of the board. Your back foot should be on the tail, slightly angled towards the heel-side edge. Finding the right balance and comfort with your foot placement is crucial for successfully executing a hard flip.
Board Setup
Similar to other flip tricks, having the right board setup is vital for a clean and controlled hard flip. Opt for a skateboard with a medium concave and fresh grip tape to ensure maximum grip and board control. A skateboard with a good amount of pop will also contribute to the success of your hard flip. Make sure your board is in good condition and replace any worn-out components if necessary.
Pop and Flick
To execute a hard flip, start by popping the tail of the skateboard down with your back foot while simultaneously initiating a frontside pop shove-it motion. As the board begins to rise, use the side of your front foot to flick the edge of the skateboard towards the nose. The combination of the pop and flick will create the flipping and spinning motion characteristic of the hard flip.
Body Position
Maintaining proper body position is crucial for a successful hard flip. As you pop and flick the skateboard, keep your body centered and square your shoulders towards the nose. Ensure that your weight is evenly distributed across both feet to maintain balance and control throughout the trick. Staying focused and committed will help you execute the hard flip with precision.
Catch and Land
To catch the hard flip, bring your front foot back above the board and prepare to catch it using the grip of your front foot. As the board completes the flip and spin, extend your legs and prepare for landing. Absorb the impact by bending your knees and aiming for an even distribution of weight across both feet. Focus on maintaining control and stability to ride away smoothly.
Troubleshooting
If you’re facing difficulties with hard flips, there are a few common issues that can arise. One common problem is not getting enough flip or spin during the trick, resulting in an incomplete rotation. To address this, focus on the timing and power of your pop and flick motion. Experiment with the force exerted on the tail and the angle of your flick to achieve a full rotation.
Another issue is landing too far forward or backward, leading to instability upon landing or even losing balance. Ensure that you’re maintaining proper body positioning and staying centered over the skateboard throughout the trick. Focus on developing a consistent and controlled landing technique.
Common Mistakes
Skateboarders often make certain mistakes when attempting hard flips. One common mistake is not fully committing to the trick, which can cause a lack of power and incomplete rotation. Make sure to commit to the hard flip and follow through with the pop and flick motion forcefully.
Another mistake is flicking the board too early or too late, resulting in an unbalanced flip and spin. Practice your timing and work on coordinating the pop and flick actions to achieve a smooth and controlled motion.
Practice Tips
Improving your hard flip technique requires consistent practice and attention to detail. Start by focusing on the individual components of the trick, such as the pop, flick, and catching motions. Once you feel comfortable with each element, work on combining them smoothly.
Record and review your attempts to identify areas for improvement. Analyze your foot placement, timing, and body positioning to pinpoint any weaknesses. Regularly practice and fine-tune your technique to develop a reliable and stylish hard flip.
Notable Variations
Similar to other skateboard tricks, the hard flip has inspired skateboarders to develop various variations. One notable variation is the “Late Flip,” where the board is allowed to spin and flip later in the trick, adding to the difficulty and style. Other variations may involve combining the hard flip with other tricks, adding flips or spins, or altering the foot placement. These variations provide skateboarders with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and individuality within the hard flip trick.
In conclusion, mastering the pressure flip and hard flip tricks requires a combination of proper foot positioning, board setup, timing, and technique. By focusing on each element and dedicating consistent practice, you can develop the skills and confidence to execute these tricks with style and precision. Remember to troubleshoot any difficulties, learn from common mistakes, and experiment with variations to add your own personal flair to these impressive skateboard tricks. Keep practicing and pushing your limits to continually improve and evolve as a skateboarder. Happy shredding!
