Master Skateboarding Flip Tricks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Skateboarding flip tricks are the foundation of many advanced skateboarding maneuvers. Mastering these tricks not only enhances your skills but also boosts your confidence on the board. This guide breaks down some essential flip tricks, offering step-by-step instructions to help you progress from beginner to pro.
The Ollie: The Foundation of Flip Tricks
Before diving into flip tricks, ensure you have a solid ollie. The ollie is the base for almost all flip tricks, providing the necessary height and control.
- Foot Placement: Position your front foot slightly behind the front bolts and your back foot on the tail.
- The Pop: Snap the tail hard against the ground.
- The Slide: Slide your front foot up the board to level it out in the air.
- Landing: Bring your knees up and land with your feet over the bolts to absorb the impact.
Kickflip: The First Flip
The kickflip is often the first flip trick skateboarders learn. It involves flipping the board 360 degrees along its length.
Step-by-Step Kickflip Guide
- Ollie: Perform a solid ollie.
- Foot Placement: Position your front foot at a slight angle towards the front bolts. This angle is crucial for the flip.
- The Kick: As you reach the peak of your ollie, kick your front foot out and slightly up the side of the board. This generates the flip.
- Catch: Once the board completes the rotation, catch it with your feet.
- Landing: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and ride away.
Tip: Focus on the feeling of the kick. It should be a smooth, controlled motion.
Heelflip: The Opposite of the Kickflip
The heelflip is the opposite of the kickflip, with the board flipping towards your heels.
How to Heelflip
- Ollie: Start with a good ollie.
- Foot Placement: Place your front foot angled with your heel hanging off the board.
- The Heel Flick: Flick your front heel out and forward, causing the board to flip.
- Catch: Catch the board after it completes a rotation.
- Landing: Land with your feet over the bolts and ride away.
Tip: Many find heelflips more challenging than kickflips initially, so be patient and persistent.
Pop Shuvit: The Beginner Rotation Trick
The pop shuvit involves rotating the board 180 degrees without flipping it.
Pop Shuvit Instructions
- Foot Placement: Place your back foot on the tail for popping, and your front foot lightly on the board.
- The Pop and Shove: Pop the tail and simultaneously scoop it backward to initiate the rotation.
- Catch: Catch the board with your feet as it completes the rotation.
- Landing: Land smoothly and ride away.
Tip: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board to maintain balance during the rotation.
Varial Kickflip: Combining Flip and Rotation
The varial kickflip combines a kickflip with a pop shuvit, adding an extra layer of complexity.
Performing a Varial Kickflip
- Ollie Position: Get into your ollie position.
- Combined Motion: As you ollie, perform both the kickflip and pop shuvit motions simultaneously.
- Catch and Land: Catch the board after the flip and rotation, then land smoothly.
Tip: This trick requires coordination and practice. Break it down into smaller parts if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Mastering skateboarding flip tricks takes time, dedication, and practice. Be patient with yourself, and don't get discouraged by falls. Each attempt brings you closer to landing that perfect trick. Remember to always wear protective gear and skate in safe areas. Happy skating!