How To Do a Kickflip

  • January 8, 2009
  • 13,961 Views
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Invented by John Rodney Mullen, the Kickflip is the most basic skateboarding “flip trick”—one in which the board flips over while in the air. It’s also a great way to get out some aggression!

You Will Need

  • 1 Skateboard
  • A flat, dry surface
  • Lots of practice
  • Courage and stamina

Always wear protective clothing, including a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, kneepads, and appropriate footwear. Skateboarding is not recommended for children under the age of 6, and children between the ages of 6 and 10 should only be allowed to ride with adult supervision.

How To Do a Kickflip: Push forward

Step 1: Push forward

The easiest way to perform this trick is by using a rolling start. Begin by pushing the board forward at a comfortable speed – but the faster you go, the higher the board will lift off of the ground.

If you’d rather learn the Kickflip with your skateboard standing still, you can place the board on the grass to keep it from rolling.

How To Do a Kickflip: Position back foot

Step 2: Position back foot

As you roll, place the ball of your back foot on the center of the tail of the board.

How To Do a Kickflip: Position front foot

Step 3: Position front foot

Place the toes of your front foot, slanted slightly forward, just behind the center set of mounting bolts on the front truck.

How To Do a Kickflip: Lift back heel

Step 4: Lift back heel

With both of your feet on the board, lift the heel of your back foot so your weight is on the ball of your foot and your toes.

How To Do a Kickflip: Crouch

Step 5: Crouch

Bend your knees down in a crouch in preparation to jump upward.

How To Do a Kickflip: Stomp

Step 6: Stomp

As you straighten your legs to start the jump, stomp your back foot down so you smack the tail of your board to the ground.

How To Do a Kickflip: Jump, slide, flick

Step 7: Jump, slide, flick

As the tail of your board hits the ground, jump off of your back foot into the air. At the same time, slide your front foot up the board and flick the nose of it.

When you are kicking the skateboard, your target is the corner of the nose of the board. Hit your skateboard there, and you will have the most control.

How To Do a Kickflip: Let the board flip

Step 8: Let the board flip

After kicking the board with your front foot, move your feet up and out of the way so that the board can flip in the air.

How To Do a Kickflip: Let board hover and twist

Step 9: Let board hover and twist

Let the spinning board hover for a second between your legs as it twists around.

How To Do a Kickflip: Catch board

Step 10: Catch board

Once the skateboard has spun completely around one time, put your back foot on it to catch it, and follow with your front foot.

Aim to keep your feet positioned over the bolts and your body level, with your shoulders parallel to the ground.

How To Do a Kickflip: Land the trick

Step 11: Land the trick

To land the trick, bend your knees as you touch down, making sure both feet are squarely on the board and on your grip tape. Now go out and brag – you’ve earned it!

In addition to the Kickflip, John Rodney Mullen is credited with inventing many other popular skateboarding tricks, including the Heelflip, the 360 Flip, and the Impossible.

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Comments (3)

skaterdude

great tips man the advice really works

over 2 years ago by skaterdude

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mmf23

That's a schweet ride in the driveway.

over 3 years ago by mmf23

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HeatherM

He makes it look so easy!

over 3 years ago by HeatherM

Reply
arko84

Just awesome..............Click on www.uploaded.tv for to enjoy cool videos, pictures and music.

over 3 years ago by arko84

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