Have you ever wondered what the differences between a kickflip and a heel flip? In this post, we’ll dive deep into the key differences between heelflips and kickflips, break down their techniques, and share some personal insights to help you decide which trick to tackle next.
If you’re a visual learner, check out this session from the Dumb Data YouTube channel.
A video titled ‘Kickflip Skaters VS Heelflip Skaters‘ from the Dumb Data YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Kick flips just look better. They have more syle and they’re more widely recognized, so they’re just better than here flips. Sorry not-sorry.
- Heelflips rotate the board away from your feet using a heel flick, while kickflips rotate toward your feet using a toe flick.
- Kickflips are generally easier to learn and offer better board control compared to heelflips.
- Proper foot placement is crucial for executing both heelflips and kickflips successfully.
- Start with mastering the kickflip before progressing to heelflips to build a solid foundation.
Core differences between heelflips and kickflips
So, what’s the difference between heelflips and kickflips? At their core, it’s about the direction of rotation and the flicking technique.
- Kickflip: The board spins toward your feet (counterclockwise) using a toe flick.
- Heelflip: The board spins away from your feet (clockwise) using a heel flick.
This subtle difference changes the entire trick.
Fun fact: Rodney Mullen popularized the kickflip
Did you know that the kickflip was popularized in the late ’80s by skaters like Rodney Mullen? He’s a legend in the skate world!
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Foot placement
- Heelflip: Position your front foot about an inch below the front bolts with your toes slightly hanging off the edge. This setup is essential for executing the outward flick.
- Kickflip: Angle your front foot slightly towards the back of the board, setting up for an inward flick. This positioning helps control the board’s counterclockwise spin.
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Flicking motion
- Heelflip: Uses the heel to flick outward away from you. This motion requires precise timing and a comfortable heel position.
- Kickflip: Uses the toe to flick inward toward you. Many skaters find this motion more natural, which might explain its popularity.
Mobility factors: how your ankles play a role
- Kickflips: Offer greater ankle mobility and board feel during execution, making them easier to control for many skaters.
- Heelflips: Have a limited range of motion due to the heel positioning, requiring more precise timing and control.
But Jedain, how do I maintain board control? Focus on maintaining a stable stance, practice flicking motions without jumping, and gradually increase the complexity of your tricks as your control improves.
Tip: Master your ollie first
Before diving into heelflips or kickflips, ensure you’ve perfected your ollie. A strong ollie provides the foundation needed for executing more complex tricks with precision and control.
Which one’s tougher?
From my experience, kickflips are slightly easier to start with, especially after mastering the ollie and pop shove-its. They felt more intuitive and seamlessly fit into my skateboarding routine.
If I had to choose, I’d recommend starting with kickflips before tackling heelflips. From my own experience, kickflips felt slightly more intuitive and easier to integrate into a manual or other tricks. Don’t make the same mistake I did by jumping into heelflips too soon—master the kickflip first to build a solid foundation.
Learning progression: Step by step to flip mastery
Both heelflips and kickflips are intermediate-level tricks, but professionals often suggest learning the kickflip first. Here’s a recommended sequence:
- Master the Ollie: The foundation of most skateboarding tricks.
- Learn Pop Shove-it: Develops board control and rotational understanding.
- Learn Kickflip: Builds upon the shove-it with added board rotation.
- Progress to Heelflip: Once comfortable with kickflips, heelflips become more approachable.
But Jedain, what if I’m struggling with kickflips? Don’t worry! Everyone encounters challenges. Keep practicing, maybe adjust your foot placement, and remember to enjoy the process.
Dos and don’ts of heelflips and kickflips
Following these dos and don’ts will help you master heelflips and kickflips more efficiently and safely.
Dos
- Do master the ollie before attempting heelflips or kickflips.
- Do practice proper foot placement to ensure control.
- Do wear appropriate safety gear, including helmet and pads.
- Do maintain a consistent practice schedule to build muscle memory.
Don’ts
- Don’t rush the learning process; take your time to build skills.
- Don’t neglect warm-up exercises to prevent injuries.
- Don’t use overly loose trucks that can compromise control.
- Don’t ignore board maintenance; keep your skateboard in good condition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Heelflips and kickflips each add a unique flair to your skating style. Incorporating both allows for greater versatility adn style.
Absolutely! Switching between heelflips and kickflips keeps your skate sessions fresh and challenging. By mastering both, you not only enhance your skill set but also keep your routine exciting. This variety can prevent the monotony that sometimes comes with sticking to a single trick.
To master both heelflips and kickflips, consistency is key. Start with practicing your ollies daily to build a strong foundation. Next, incorporate shadow flipping (practicing the flicking motion without the board) to develop muscle memory. Finally, use a wall or rail to catch your board as you attempt full flips, gradually reducing reliance on the support as your confidence grows.
Heelflips and kickflips are versatile tricks that can be combined with other maneuvers to create complex sequences. For example, integrating a kickflip into a grind or using a heelflip as part of a flip combo can add variety and flair to your skateboarding style.
Final thoughts
Whether you find heelflips or kickflips more challenging, remember that skateboarding is a personal journey.
Got your own flip story or tips? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’re nailing those flips! If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on mastering your board. Thanks for reading!
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