Skateboarding Made Simple · Chapter 13 of 18
The kickflip is the trick everyone wants. The board flips a full rotation under your feet and you land back on it. It takes a lot of tries, and that is completely normal.
In This Chapter
- Foot position for kickflips
- The flick
- Catching and landing
- Common fixes
Gear Check
Board with good grip, durable flat shoes, a solid ollie.
Step by Step
- Back foot. Ball of your foot on the tail, like an ollie.
- Front foot. Just behind the front bolts, angled slightly with toes near the heel edge.
- Pop. Snap the tail like an ollie.
- Flick. Slide your front foot up and flick it off the side of the nose at an angle.
- Jump and suck up. Pull your knees up so the board has room to flip.
- Catch. Spot the grip tape when it comes back around and plant your feet.
- Land. Land over the bolts with knees bent.
Tip
Flick off the corner of the nose, not straight sideways. That is what gives the board its spin.
Remember
Landing a kickflip once is a big deal. Landing it consistently takes weeks. Keep at it.
Warning
Kickflips eat shoes and sometimes ankles. Wear durable skate shoes and warm up first.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Board does not flip. Flick harder off the corner of the nose.
- Board flips but lands upside down. Suck your knees up higher and wait longer.
- Board goes too far forward. Jump straight up instead of forward.
- Landing on one foot. Commit with both feet.
Skate Nerd Stuff
The kickflip was originally called a "magic flip" and was invented by Curt Lindgren. Rodney Mullen made the modern version popular.
Your Practice Plan
- Week 1-2: Practice the flick standing still on grass.
- Week 3-4: Practice on pavement, holding a friend or rail.
- Month 2: Try them rolling slowly.
- Month 3: Work on consistency.
Need gear or a hand dialing it in? Stop by the shop inside the Carson City Mall or shop decks online.