How to Do a Kickflip
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!
Up next in Beginner Skateboarding (16 videos)
Learn how to skateboard with this Howcast video series for the beginner skateboarder.
You Will Need
- 1.0 Skateboard
- A flat, dry surface
- Lots of practice
- Courage and stamina
Steps
-
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.
-
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.
-
Step 2
Position back foot
As you roll, place the ball of your back foot on the center of the tail of the board.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Step 5
Crouch
Bend your knees down in a crouch in preparation to jump upward.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Step 9
Let board hover and twist
Let the spinning board hover for a second between your legs as it twists around.
-
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.
-
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.
