The kickflip is one of those essential tricks you need to master to be considered a ‘real skater.’ You’ll never forget the first time you land one. It’s incredibly satisfying. I remember when I first started skating, people in my neighborhood would shout, ‘Yo, do a kickflip!’ It was annoying, especially since I couldn’t do one yet. 😭 I felt pretty discouraged about it, you know?”
In this post, I’ll break down the kickflip step-by-step, sharing all the tips I’ve picked up along my many yeats of skateboarding. We’ll cover everything from the basics to troubleshooting common issues.
If you’re a visual learner, here is a video titled “How To Kickflip In 5 Minutes” to help you quickly master the trick.
A video titled “How To Kickflip In 5 Minutes” from the CCS YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Master the ollie before attempting kickflips – it’s the foundation for this trick
- Foot placement is crucial: front foot behind bolts, back foot on tail
- Flick up and out, not down, for a successful kickflip
- Practice while moving – it’s often easier than stationary kickflips
How to Kickflip: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a total beginner, you can do them stationary. But honestly, I find them easier to do while moving, even when I was a beginner. I was never one of those who held onto the rail and tried to kickflip, so I recommend doing all of these while moving.
1. Master the Foundation: Proper Foot Placement
Let’s start with the most crucial part of the kickflip: foot placement. Get this wrong, and you’re setting yourself up for failure. Trust me, I learned that the hard way.
- Position your front foot just behind the front bolts, angled slightly towards the nose at about 45 degrees.
- Place the ball of your back foot on the tail, ready to pop.
- Find that sweet spot where you can pop the board and flick it in one smooth motion.
I spent weeks trying to kickflip with my feet in all the wrong places. Once I got the placement right, everything started clicking. It’s like a light bulb went off in my head.
2. Nail that Ollie
Now, let’s talk about the ollie. It’s the foundation of the kickflip, so you need to have it down pat.
- Start with a basic ollie motion.
- Pop the tail with your back foot.
- Slide your front foot up the board.
- Instead of just leveling out, prepare to flick off the side of the nose.
When I first started, I was so focused on the flip that I forgot about getting height. This was a big mistake. You need that air time to complete the rotation.
Aim high
Aim for at least the same height as your regular ollies when attempting kickflips.
3. Don’t forget to flick!
Here’s where the magic happens. This is what gives the board its spin.
- As you slide your front foot up, flick it off the side of the nose.
- The key is to flick up and out, not down.
- Use the side of your foot, right around your pinky toe.
- Remember, it’s a flick, not a kick.
I used to kick down, and all I got was a board that shot out in front of me. Not cool, and definitely not a kickflip.
4. Master the Catch and Land
Once the board is spinning, you need to catch it and land (easier said than done, I know). Many people, including myself, struggle with this.
- Keep your eyes on the board. Watch it spin and time your landing.
- Your back foot should catch the board first, followed quickly by your front foot.
- Stay over your board to maintain balance.
One more note: While beginners should focus on the board, as you advance, start looking at the horizon. You don’t want to constantly look at the board, especially when moving. You need to see what you’re doing and where you’re going. As you become more advanced, you can stop looking at the board and focus on what feels right.
Dos and don’ts of learning kickflips
Follow these guidelines to make your kickflip learning journey smoother and more effective.
Dos
- Understand the basics of skateboarding first
- Practice kickflips while moving
- Keep your shoulders parallel to the board
- Watch the board as it spins to time your landing
Don’ts
- Rush into complex tricks before you’re ready
- Focus only on stationary kickflips
- Overdo it and risk injury
- Look at the ground instead of the board
- Get discouraged if you don’t land it right away
By breaking down the kickflip into these four main steps, you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow. Remember, practice is key. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it right away – keep at it, and soon you’ll be landing kickflips like a pro!
Troubleshooting common issues
Let’s talk about some common problems you might run into. Trust me, I’ve dealt with all of these at some point.
- Board not flipping fully: You’re probably not flicking hard enough. Really emphasize that flick off the nose, and flick hard. Try practicing off the board.
- Board flying out in front of you: You’re kicking out instead of flicking down. Focus on the ollie more.
- Landing with only one foot: You’re not keeping your shoulders parallel with the board. Keep them straight, and you’ll stay over your board. Oh, so you’re not committing to the kickflip. You’re scared! You’re scared that you’re going to land on the skateboard and roll off and fall. You need to kick that fear away—no pun intended. Put all your effort into landing on top of the board despite the fear. Also, jump really high next time.
- Primo landings: If you’re landing primo, then you’re not flipping the board all the way or you may be doing it too much. These are the hard to diagnose because it’s either one or the other. Primos are, i know. You’re likely opening your shoulders too much. Keep them in line with the board.
You’re scared! You’re scared that you’re gonna land on the skateboard and you’re gonna roll off and fall. You need to kick that fear away. No pun intended. Put all your effort into landing on top of the board despite the fear., Also jump really high next time.
What’s your biggest struggle with kickflips? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out!
Practice makes perfect
Here’s the truth: kickflips take time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land them right away—I certainly didn’t. I spent hours every day for weeks working on my kickflips. It was frustrating at times, but man, that first clean landing made it all worth it. 🙌
Like I said, you can do them stationary. But honestly, I find them easier to do while moving.
Practice while moving
While it might seem counterintuitive, learning to kickflip while moving is often easier than stationary. The forward momentum helps with the board’s rotation and balance.
Once you get the motion, it really does never go away. You always kinda keep that same poppin’ feeling. You sort of just know how to do it. Now, getting a really high kickflip? That’s a different story altogether. You can learn to kickflip just fine, but nailing a sweet, super high one that sticks? That takes practice.
How long does it take to learn a kickflip?
Now, here’s the million-dollar question: how long does it take to learn a kickflip? The honest answer? It varies. For some skaters, it might click in a few weeks. For others, it could take months or even years.
landing one kickflip doesn’t mean you’ve “got” it in the bag. Keep flipping untill you can do, like, 10 in a row. Thn you prety much got it.
From my experience, if you’ve got your ollies down and you’re practicing regularly, you could land your first kickflip within a few months. But remember, landing one kickflip doesn’t mean you’ve “got” it in the bag. Getting them consistent? That’s a whole other story.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Beginner’s Stage (Comfortable on board, can ollie): 3 weeks to 3 months
- Intermediate Stage (Struggling with basics): 3 months to 2 years
But don’t get hung up on these timeframes. Everyone progresses at their own pace. The key is consistent practice.
| Skater Level | Estimated Time to Land First Kickflip |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 2-4 months |
| Intermediate | 1-3 months |
| Advanced | 2 weeks – 1 month |
| Returning Skater | 1-2 months |
| Natural Talent | 2-4 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no one sure what’s best for kickflips. Really any skates you will do. But, flat-soled shoes like Vans or Converse are great for kickflips. They offer better board feel and grip.
Skate trainers can be helpful for building confidence, but don’t rely on them too much. It’s important to learn the trick while moving.
Absolutely! Practice ollies, work on your balance, and do leg-strengthening exercises like squats and calf raises.
It depends on the skater. Some find heelflips easier because they use the heel rather than the toes, but it can vary based on personal preference and technique. Perosnlly, I find heel flips more stable.
It varies widely—some skaters learn it in a few weeks, while others might take months. Consistent practice and patience are key. It took me about six months to do them.
Final thoughts
Learning to kickflip is a journey, but it’s one of the most rewarding tricks you can master. It’s the gateway to a whole world of flip tricks, and it looks damn cool too.
Remember, everyone learns at their own pace. Don’t compare yourself to others; just focus on your own progress. Before you know it, you’ll be popping kickflips like it’s second nature.
Now get out there and start practicing! And hey, when you land your first clean kickflip, come back and let me know. 🎉
What are some of your own experiences learning to kickflip? Did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below, I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on all things skateboarding.
