Mastering Skateboarding Flip Tricks: A Complete Guide
Skateboarding flip tricks are the cornerstone of technical street skating. From the foundational ollie to more complex rotations and combinations, mastering these tricks opens up a whole new world of possibilities on your board. This guide will break down some essential flip tricks, offering tips and advice to help you progress your skills.
The Ollie: The Foundation of Flip Tricks
Before diving into flip tricks, you absolutely need to have a solid ollie. The ollie is the basis for almost every other trick in skateboarding. It involves popping the tail of the board to get airborne, leveling out, and landing smoothly. Practice your ollies until they are consistent and comfortable.
- Foot Placement: Place your front foot slightly behind the front bolts, angled slightly. Your back foot should be on the tail, ready to pop.
- The Pop: Bend your knees, then explosively pop the tail while simultaneously sliding your front foot up the board.
- Level Out: As you reach the peak of the ollie, level out the board by bringing your knees up.
- Landing: Stomp down on the bolts to absorb the impact and roll away.
Kickflip: The Classic Flip Trick
The kickflip is often the first flip trick skaters learn after mastering the ollie. It involves flipping the board 360 degrees along its longitudinal axis.
- Foot Placement: Similar to the ollie, but angle your front foot slightly more towards the nose-side edge of the board.
- The Flick: As you ollie, use your front foot to flick the board outwards, towards the nose-side edge. This is what initiates the flip.
- Catch and Land: After the board completes a rotation, catch it with your feet and land on the bolts.
- Tips: Focus on flicking with your ankle rather than your whole leg. Keep your shoulders aligned with the board.
Heelflip: The Opposite of a Kickflip
The heelflip is the opposite of the kickflip, with the board rotating towards the heel-side edge. Many find it more challenging than the kickflip initially.
- Foot Placement: Place your front foot slightly further back than for a kickflip, with your heel hanging off the edge of the board.
- The Flick: As you ollie, flick the board outwards with your heel. This should cause the board to flip towards your heels.
- Catch and Land: Catch the board after it completes a rotation and land with your feet over the bolts.
- Tips: A common mistake is flicking down instead of out. Focus on a sideways flick with your heel.
Pop Shuvit: The Board Rotates, You Don't
The pop shuvit involves popping the board and scooping it behind you, causing it to rotate 180 degrees without flipping.
- Foot Placement: Back foot on the tail, front foot lightly on the board or just behind the front bolts.
- The Scoop: Pop the tail and scoop it backwards with your back foot. Your front foot helps guide the rotation.
- Catch and Land: Allow the board to rotate fully, then catch it with your feet and land.
- Tips: Keep your weight centered over the board to prevent it from shooting out.
Varial Kickflip: A Combination Trick
The varial kickflip combines a pop shuvit and a kickflip into one fluid motion. It's a stylish and impressive trick.
- Foot Placement: Similar to a kickflip, but with your back foot positioned for a pop shuvit.
- The Motion: As you ollie, combine the flick of a kickflip with the scoop of a pop shuvit.
- Catch and Land: Catch the board after it completes both rotations and land smoothly.
- Tips: Practice the pop shuvit and kickflip separately before attempting the varial kickflip.
Final Thoughts
Mastering skateboarding flip tricks requires patience, dedication, and consistent practice. Start with the basics, gradually progressing to more complex tricks. Don't get discouraged by setbacks; every skater faces challenges. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually land the tricks you're working towards. Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and pads, to prevent injuries. Happy skating!
