Kickflip

Introduction

One of the most iconic and essential tricks in skateboarding is the kickflip. It can be difficult to master, but it’s an impressive trick that can take your skateboarding skills to the next level. The kickflip is a basic trick that involves flipping the skateboard in the air while jumping and landing back on it. In this blog post, we’ll dig deep into the mechanics of a kickflip, the steps involved in learning it, and some tips to make it easier.

The Mechanics of a Kickflip

Before we start learning kickflips, it’s essential to understand the mechanics of the trick. A kickflip involves four steps:

1. Foot placement: Place your front foot near the middle of the skateboard, at a slight angle, and your back foot on the tail.

2. Pop the tail: With your back foot, pop the board’s tail as hard as you can. This will make the skateboard pop up.

3. Flick the board: As the board is popping up, use your front foot to flick it with your ankle so that it spins in the air.

4. Catch and land: After the board completes its spin, use your feet to catch it and land back on it.

The key to a kickflip is the flick. You need to have a quick and precise flick to spin the board in the air, and this is where you need to put in the most work when learning the trick. Your body needs to be in sync with the board to control the spin and ensure you can catch it again.

Learning the Kickflip

Now that you know the mechanics of a kickflip, it’s time to start learning the trick itself. Like any skateboarding trick, it’s going to take a lot of practice and perseverance, but we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you along your way.

Step 1: Start with the basics

Before you start learning kickflips, it’s important to have a solid foundation in skateboarding. Make sure you’re comfortable with riding your board, and you can perform basic tricks like ollies, pop shuvits, and frontside 180s.

Step 2: Get your foot placement right

The first step in learning the kickflip is getting your foot placement right. Your front foot needs to be at a slight angle, pointing towards the nose of the board, while your back foot is on the tail. Remember that the position of your feet can significantly affect the rotation of the board.

Step 3: Pop the tail

Practice popping the tail of your skateboard hard. Use your back foot to pop the tail and make the board rise into the air. The harder you can pop the tail, the higher the board will go and the more time you’ll have to perform the flick.

Step 4: Begin to flick

As the board is popping up, get ready to flick it. Use your front foot to flick the board towards the side so that it performs the spin. This movement should be quick, snappy, and precise. Remember to keep your ankle relaxed, and flick with the ball of your foot.

Step 5: Land the kickflip

After the board completes its rotation, use your feet to catch it. Bring your front foot back down onto the board first, followed by your back foot. Keep your knees bent, and make sure you’re balanced on the board before you roll away.

Tips and Tricks

Like any other skateboarding trick, kickflips take time and practice to master. Here are a few tips to help you along your journey:

1. Start on a flat surface: Start practicing on a flat surface before trying on an inclined surface. This will give you more control over the board and help you understand the movement better.

2. Stay relaxed: Make sure your body is relaxed while performing a kickflip. Keeping your muscles tight can make the trick harder to execute.

3. Practice every day: The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Try to spend at least 30 minutes every day practicing your kickflips.

4. Watch tutorials: There are plenty of tutorials available online to help you learn the kickflip. Take advantage of these resources to get a better understanding of the trick.

Conclusion

The kickflip is one of the most iconic and essential tricks in skateboarding. It may take time and effort to master, but with dedication and practice, you can add it to your arsenal of tricks. Remember to take it one step at a time, get your fundamentals right, and stay relaxed. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be able to execute a perfect kickflip effortlessly.