Learning to kickflip is a significant hurdle for many new skateboarders. It requires coordination and can feel awkward initially. If you’re struggling with kickflips, it’s crucial to ensure you’re comfortable on your board and have mastered the basics first.
Generally, mastering a kickflip can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, or even years. The more consistently you practice, the sooner you’ll land your first kickflip. Daily practice, a solid foundation in basic skateboarding skills, and a gradual approach to more complex tricks are the keys to success. Many beginners make the mistake of immediately attempting kickflips without having first mastered the fundamentals like the ollie or manual. Rushing the process will only slow down your progress in the long run.
Kickflips: Moving vs. Stationary
Skateboarder performing a kickflip while moving
While it might seem counterintuitive, learning to kickflip while moving can be easier than learning it stationary. Ultimately, the goal is to perform kickflips while riding, so starting this way can be beneficial. Practicing while moving helps your brain adjust to the movement, and helps with timing the board catch and landing. While some may disagree, many skaters find it more beneficial to learn while moving. Additionally, learning to fall correctly is easier when you have some momentum. Falling is part of the process, so mastering it is essential for progression.
Trying to learn stationary kickflips has its drawbacks. Often, skaters who focus solely on stationary tricks aren’t fully comfortable with their board. They might spend a short amount of time just balancing and pushing, and then immediately attempt complex tricks. This approach not only increases the risk of injury but can also be demotivating. Without a solid understanding of the basics, progression will be much slower. While practicing stationary may give a general feel for the trick, landing it while moving requires a different set of balancing skills and focus. In summary, ensure you can comfortably ride your board before attempting a trick. Rushing into complex tricks only makes mastering the kickflip more challenging.
Practice Frequency for Kickflips
Professional skateboarders often share a common story: they practiced for hours daily. Some, like Rodney Mullen, even skated for seven hours straight and into the night. Everyone starts with the basics and needs to learn how to skateboard properly.
As long as you’re physically able and enjoying the process, practice as often as you can. Taking breaks and mixing up tricks can also keep you motivated and focused. The feeling of landing your first kickflip is incredibly rewarding, so just keep practicing!
Mastering the Kickflip Technique
A kickflip essentially involves a pop, a kick, a catch, and landing near the bolts. While it might feel unnatural at first, you’ll get used to it with time and consistent practice.
Many skaters initially land with only their back or front foot. This typically results from a lack of commitment. At some point, you must fully commit and land with both feet. Before attempting a kickflip, make sure you’ve mastered the ollie. Also, learning other beginner skateboard tricks will significantly help you learn the kickflip faster.
The Right Stance and Body Position for a Kickflip
While practical experience is best, understanding the theory is useful. A kickflip is a variation of an ollie, so having the proper stance is essential for correct body position and foot placement. Stay centered over your board and avoid leaning left or right. Start with a gentle push and get into your kickflip stance.
- Position your front foot slightly off the board at an angle to kick in the right direction. Place your back foot near the edge of the tail.
- Pop the board by firmly kicking the tail with your back foot, like an ollie. Then, drag the front foot diagonally up the board, kicking out with your toes.
- The board should flip. Retract your front foot and ideally, catch the board when it levels out with both feet simultaneously. This only works if your body is correctly positioned above the board.
- Upon landing, slightly bend your knees to absorb the impact.
Skateboarder performing a kickflip while moving
Common Mistakes When Learning a Kickflip
- Landing with Only the Back Foot: This is often caused by turning your front shoulder. Keep your shoulders straight!
- Jumping Forward Instead of Up: Ensure you are jumping vertically.
- Pop and Flip Separation: As soon as you pop the tail, your front foot should be sliding. Avoid popping and then trying to flip the board.
- Flipping Downwards: Don’t try to flip the board downwards. This will likely result in landing primo or on one foot.
- Leaning Forward Too Much: Keep your shoulders aligned with your board.
- Feet Too Close: You don’t need much sliding to flip the board. Placing your front foot just below the front bolts is sufficient.
The Difficulty of a Kickflip
Yes, learning a kickflip is hard and requires significant practice. You’ll likely spend a lifetime refining your kickflip, but this is part of the fun. Some learn faster than others. The skater who learns it in a week might have covered the basics well or could just be very naturally talented.
Heelflip vs. Kickflip: Which Is Easier?
Some claim the heelflip is easier because it requires less technique. Others find the kickflip easier. This is often a matter of personal preference. Some learn heelflips first, while others go straight to kickflips. Why not learn both? Focus on what feels most comfortable to you and don’t get caught up in opinions about difficulty.
Conclusion: The Journey to Landing a Kickflip
The time it takes to learn a kickflip depends on your skill level, practice frequency, and commitment. If you can skate for hours each day, you’ll master it quicker than someone who only skates on weekends. It’s beneficial to take breaks when needed and switch tricks to stay motivated. Sometimes, your body and brain need time to process the movements. Don’t compare yourself to others, focus on your journey, and seek tips from other skaters. They will usually be happy to help. Remember, the key to progress is patience and persistence.
