Master The Double Flip In Skate: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you're ready to take your Skate game to the next level? Mastering the double flip is a badge of honor, separating the casual players from the dedicated tricksters. It looks stylish and opens up a whole new world of combos. But let's be real, it's not easy. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, so you can land that double flip and impress your friends (and yourself!).
Understanding the Basics
Before you even think about a double flip, you need to have a solid foundation. We're talking:
- Consistent ollies: You should be able to ollie smoothly and consistently. Height matters! The higher your ollie, the more time you have to complete the trick.
- Clean kickflips: Your kickflips need to be on point. Focus on the flick and catching the board. A sloppy kickflip will translate to a sloppy double flip.
If either of these feels shaky, spend some time practicing before moving on. Trust me, it'll save you frustration in the long run.
The Setup: Stance and Speed
Your stance is crucial. Most players find that a slightly wider stance than their usual kickflip stance works best. Experiment and see what feels comfortable for you.
Speed is your friend. You need enough speed to give you time to complete the rotations, but not so much that you lose control. Find that sweet spot through practice.
Executing the Double Flip: Step-by-Step
Here's the meat of the guide. Follow these steps, and you'll be landing double flips in no time:
- Ollie High: As mentioned earlier, height is key. Really pop that ollie!
- Flick Hard and Fast: This isn't your regular kickflip flick. You need to flick harder and faster to get that second rotation. Focus on flicking up and out.
- Stay Centered: It's easy to lean too far forward or backward during the trick. Try to stay centered over your board.
- Catch with Both Feet: Spot your landing and catch the board with both feet. This is crucial for riding away clean.
- Roll Away: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and ride away smoothly.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Under-rotating: This is the most common problem. Make sure you're flicking hard enough and getting enough height on your ollie. Try exaggerating the flick motion.
- Over-rotating: If you're landing primo (on the bolts), you're probably over-rotating. Try flicking a little less hard.
- Landing with one foot: This usually means you're not staying centered. Focus on keeping your weight balanced over the board.
Practice Drills
Here are a couple of drills to help you dial in your double flips:
- Ghost Double Flips: Practice the motion of the double flip without actually trying to land it. This helps you get the feel for the flick and rotation.
- Over Obstacles: Once you're comfortable with the basic trick, try doing it over small obstacles. This forces you to get more height and clean up your landing.
Taking It to the Next Level
Once you've mastered the double flip, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas:
- Double Flip Variations: Try doing double flips into grinds or manuals.
- Double Flip Combos: Incorporate double flips into your existing trick combos.
Final Thoughts
Learning the double flip takes time and dedication. Don't get discouraged if you don't land it right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll get there eventually. Now get out there and shred! And when you've mastered the double flip, why not try a [insert relevant link to another skateboarding trick tutorial]? Good luck, and happy skating!