How to Do a Kickflip

Maybe even more than any other skateboarding trick, the kickflip looks a lot easier than it actually is. It is a unique maneuver, requiring not only that you can ollie very well, but also flick your ankle into an unfamiliar position. With the help of this simple guide, though, you'll learn How to Do a Kickflip.

Maybe even more than any other skateboarding trick, the kickflip looks a lot easier than it actually is. It is a unique maneuver, requiring not only that you can ollie very well, but also flick your ankle into an unfamiliar position. With the help of this simple guide, though, you'll learn How to Do a Kickflip.
Introduction
- The kickflip was invented in the '80s by the then-reigning king of freestyle skating, Rodney Mullen. Since then, it has become a very popular trick. Like a lot of skateboarding maneuvers, it looks easy, but isn't—and it's also full of potential for painful (although mainly minor) injury. With a clear game-plan and a few safety pointers, though, you should be able to pull it off without pulling a muscle.
- - Note: You need to learn to ollie before graduating to a kickflip. If you don't know how, see How to Ollie.
Why It's Tricky
- Hairier than any other basic trick, the kick flip is both a physical and psychological challenge. Why?
- It's hard:
- The kickflip requires some really subtle foot coordination—it's a bit more acrobatic than similar maneuvers like the pop shove-it.
  - You not only have to be able to ollie proficiently, you need to be deft enough with your feet to flip the board in mid-air.
- It's painful:
- A well-executed kickflip won't hurt, but while you're learning you'll probably end up hopping on one foot and (and holding the other in agony) more than once.
  - This is because you're flipping the board sideways (edgewise, rather than end-over-end).
  - If you land before the board is fully right-side-up, you could sprain an ankle on the edge of the deck or get your toes wedged between the wheel and the deck. Sounds like fun, right?
  - Just be careful.
How to Do It
- The kickflip starts with a nice big ollie, but the key difference is what you do with your front foot...
1. Find a large, level area of concrete, away from cars.
2. Get some moderate speed.
3. Scrunch down as you would for a normal ollie.
4. Pop an ollie.
5. As you slide your front foot forward—like you would in a normal ollie—flick your front foot against the outside edge of the deck, making the board flip sideways.
  - This is a motion your ankle isn't used to, so don't get discouraged.
6. Pull your feet up and out of the way of the board as it flips.
7. Watch the board carefully to be sure it makes a full rotation.
8. Once the board is level, catch it with your feet by stomping down on the deck.
9. As you land, bend your knees to absorb the shock.
The skater featured in this great video makes the kickflip look easy. Just remember, it'll take a while.
Resources for How to Do a Kickflip
- You Tube: Kickflip (Time: 0:33)
- Switch Magazine: How to Do a Kickflip
- About.com: Kickflip | How to Kickflip on a Skateboard
- eHow: How to Do a Kickflip on a Skateboard
- Wikipedia: Freestyle Skateboarding