To "flip skate" generally refers to performing a kickflip, the foundational flip trick in skateboarding where the board rotates 360 degrees along its longitudinal axis beneath your feet. Mastering the kickflip is key to unlocking a vast array of other advanced tricks.
How to Kickflip: A Step-by-Step Guide
The kickflip combines precise timing, footwork, and balance. Here's a breakdown of the essential steps:
1. Foot Placement
Correct foot placement is crucial for initiating the kickflip.
- Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail of the skateboard, similar to an ollie. You want enough leverage to pop the tail but also enough foot on the board for stability.
- Front Foot: Place your front foot behind the front bolts, angled slightly. Some prefer it centered, others closer to the edge, but it should be positioned so the heel or toe can make contact with the board's edge for the flick. Experiment to find your comfortable spot.
2. The Pop
The pop provides the height for your kickflip, lifting the board into the air.
- Squat down slightly, bending your knees and hips.
- As you jump, push down hard on the tail with your back foot, snapping it against the ground. This should propel the board upwards.
3. The Flick (Slide)
This is where the "flip" action happens.
- Immediately after popping, slide your front foot diagonally upwards towards the nose of the board.
- The side of your foot (usually the outside edge of your shoe) should make contact with the edge of the board (the concave).
- Flick your ankle outwards when your front foot reaches the pocket of the nose, causing the board to spin. The timing of this flick dictates the speed and rotation of the flip.
4. The Catch & Land
This step brings it all together, ensuring you land successfully on your board.
- As the board completes its rotation in the air, you want to catch it with your feet, keeping them above the floor.
- The moment you see it flip around, put that back foot down to catch your board.
- Then, drop your legs and land softly on the bolts with both feet. Landing on the bolts provides the most stability and prevents the board from breaking.
5. Landing Cleanly
- Absorb the impact by bending your knees as you land.
- Roll away smoothly, keeping your balance and looking in the direction you're going.
For a visual guide on mastering basic skateboarding techniques like foot placement and ollies, consider exploring resources from reputable skateboarding channels and instructional websites such as Braille Skateboarding or Skateboarding.com.
Common Kickflip Mistakes & Solutions
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Board only rotates halfway | Ensure a strong flick with your front foot and flick all the way off the nose. |
| Board flies away | Keep your shoulders parallel to the board, focus on bringing your knees up, and stay centered over the board. |
| Not getting enough height | Pop the tail harder and slide your front foot with more force. Practice your ollies first. |
| Landing with one foot | Commit to landing with both feet. Practice catching the board with both feet in the air. |
| Failing to catch the board | Watch the board's rotation; anticipate when it's level and ready to be caught by your feet. |
Practice Tips for Success
- Practice your ollie first: The kickflip builds directly on the ollie, so ensure you have a solid ollie before attempting kickflips.
- Stationary practice: Start by practicing while holding onto something or in grass to get the feel for the pop and flick without the worry of rolling.
- Commitment is key: Many falls happen because skaters pull their feet away. Trust the process and commit to landing.
- Break it down: Focus on each step individually: pop, flick, and then landing.
- Film yourself: Watching your attempts can help you identify what you're doing wrong and make adjustments.
- Patience: The kickflip takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged by falls.
Beyond the Kickflip: Other Flip Tricks
Once you've mastered the kickflip, you'll be well-equipped to learn a variety of other flip tricks that build upon this fundamental motion, such as:
- Heelflip: Similar to a kickflip, but the board is flicked with the heel of your front foot.
- Varial Kickflip: A combination of a pop shove-it and a kickflip.
- Tre Flip (360 Flip): A combination of a 360 pop shove-it and a kickflip.
