Kickflip Kickstart: Step-By-Step Tutorial for Learning the Kickflip
The kickflip is one of the most iconic and impressive tricks in skateboarding. It involves flipping the board in the air while doing an ollie, and then landing back on it. While it may seem daunting at first, with practice and determination, anyone can learn how to kickflip.
To help you kickstart your kickflip journey, we have put together a step-by-step tutorial that breaks down the trick into manageable parts. Follow these instructions and before you know it, you’ll be landing kickflips left and right.
Step 1: Master the Ollie
Before you can even attempt a kickflip, you need to have a solid understanding of the ollie. Practice popping the board and sliding your front foot up to level it out in the air. Make sure you have this trick down pat before moving on to the kickflip.
Step 2: Foot Placement
For the kickflip, your back foot should be in the same position as it is for an ollie – on the tail of the board. Your front foot should be angled slightly towards the nose of the board, with the ball of your foot just behind the front bolts.
Step 3: Pop and Flick
Start by popping the board as you would for an ollie. As the board begins to rise, use your front foot to flick the edge of the board in a diagonal direction. This flick is what causes the board to do a kickflip motion in the air.
Step 4: Level It Out
As the board begins to flip, focus on keeping it level with your front foot. This will require some trial and error, as you want to find the right amount of force to apply to the flick to get a clean rotation.
Step 5: Spot the Landing
As the board completes its rotation, keep your eyes on it to gauge when and where to catch it with your feet. Aim to land with your feet over the bolts to ensure a clean landing.
Step 6: Roll Away
Once you catch the board with your feet, absorb the impact by bending your knees and ride away smoothly. Congratulations, you’ve just landed your first kickflip!
Remember, learning the kickflip takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land it right away – keep at it and soon enough it will become second nature. So grab your board, find a smooth surface, and start kicking and flipping your way to mastery!