Breaking Down the Kickflip: Tips and Tricks for Success

3 November 2025

So, you want to land a kickflip? Whether you're just getting started or finally trying to conquer this iconic trick, you’re in the right place. The kickflip is like a rite of passage in skateboarding — flashy, stylish, and definitely one of the most satisfying moves to land. But let’s be honest — it’s not the easiest trick to learn. Still, with the right approach, a little patience, and a lot of practice, you’ll be tossing kickflips like a pro.

Ready to break it down? Let’s dive into everything you need to know to land that sweet flick.

What Is a Kickflip, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. A kickflip is one of the foundational skateboard tricks that combines an ollie with a flick of your front foot. The board flips fully in the air, horizontally (along its length), before you catch it with your feet and land.

Imagine flattening a pancake and then flipping it up in the air with one foot. That’s the kickflip — a crispy aerial flip with style.

But nailing this trick isn’t just about brute force. It’s about finesse, timing, and understanding the little details that make it all work.

Before You Try: Kickflip Prerequisites

Before throwing yourself into kickflips, check these boxes:

- Master your ollies: If you can't ollie cleanly and consistently, you’re not ready for kickflips. Sorry, not sorry.
- Comfortable riding switch: While the kickflip is done regular or goofy, feeling stable riding both ways helps tremendously.
- Solid foot placement awareness: You should have good balance and board control.

Alright, you ticked all the boxes? Let’s go!

Step-By-Step: How to Do a Kickflip

Here’s the fun part — the breakdown. Let’s walk through the kickflip step by step.

1. Foot Placement

Think of this as your foundation — you want everything set up just right.

- Back Foot: Position it like you would for an ollie — ball of your foot on the tail, ready to pop.
- Front Foot: This is where things change. Place it across the board at a slight angle, just behind the front bolts. The toes should hang off slightly. This angle will help with the flick.

2. The Pop and Flick

Here’s where the magic happens.

- Pop your board like an ollie with your back foot.
- As the board starts to rise, drag your front foot up and out toward the front corner of the nose.
- Important: The flick happens at the edge of the board. You’re not kicking down — you’re flicking off the corner using your toes.

3. Watch the Board Flip

This is the part where you want to keep your eyes locked onto the board.

- As your board begins flipping, let it rotate fully underneath you.
- This is not a race. Don’t rush the landing — stay centered and trust your flick.

4. The Catch

Once the board is mid-air and you see the griptape come back around — get ready.

- Use your back foot (and sometimes both feet) to catch it.
- This part takes practice, but once you learn to spot the full rotation, you’ll land more consistently.

5. Land and Roll Away

Once you’ve caught the board, bring your feet down and land with knees slightly bent to absorb impact.

- Keep your shoulders aligned with the board.
- Roll away clean. Celebrate.

Boom. That’s a kickflip.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

If you’re struggling, don’t sweat it. Everyone does. Kickflips are tricky little beasts. Here’s a list of the most common issues and how to fix them.

1. The “Rocket Flip”

The board shoots up vertically like a missile instead of flipping flat.

Why It Happens: Your foot is flicking straight up instead of off the corner.

Fix It: Adjust the flick angle — aim out and away, not up. Think of flicking toward the nose’s side edge.

2. The “Under Flip”

The board flips halfway and then stalls.

Why It Happens: Weak flick or dragging toe too long before flicking.

Fix It: Make the flick snappier. Less drag, more flick off the side.

3. The “Land With One Foot”

This one’s a heartbreaker. You almost got it, but you land with only one foot on the board.

Why It Happens: You’re bailing mid-air due to fear or poor commitment.

Fix It: Stay centered over the board. Visualize the full trick before you pop and fully commit.

4. The “Board Flips Too Much”

Over-rotation is a sign of an overly aggressive flick.

Fix It: Dial it back. It’s finesse, not force. A subtle flick can do wonders.

Kickflip Tips That Actually Work

Let’s talk brass tacks. Kickflips aren’t just about steps. They're about feel. Here are some helpful tips you probably haven’t heard a million times already.

1. Practice Standing Still (But Only at First)

Doing kickflips stationary can help you understand the flicking motion. Do this for your first few sessions, but don’t get stuck here. Eventually, you’ll need that forward momentum.

2. Use a Crack or Grass

Ever tried to do a kickflip and the board shoots away like a ghost? Try learning over a crack or on grass. It keeps the board grounded while you figure out foot movement.

3. Pop and Flick at the Same Time — Not Before

Timing is everything. Many skaters pop the board and then flick too early. That kills the flip. Sync the pop and flick so the board responds correctly.

4. Film Yourself

It might feel weird, but recording your attempts can show you what’s actually going wrong. Are your feet popping at the right time? Are you centered? A quick slo-mo replay might reveal the secret sauce.

5. Don’t Overthink It

Sounds cheesy, right? But seriously — sometimes your best flips will come when you’re relaxed. Overthinking can tighten your body, rush the trick, and screw it all up.

Skating is half muscle memory, half mental. Get your mind right, and the body will follow.

How Long Does It Take to Learn a Kickflip?

Ah, the million-dollar question. Truth is, it varies.

- Some pick it up in a week or two.
- Others grind at it for months.
- Honestly, it depends on how often you practice and how solid your fundamentals are.

Don’t rush the process. Landing your first clean kickflip is a moment you’ll never forget. And trust me — the grind makes it worth it.

Kickflip Variations (Once You’ve Got It Down)

So, you finally landed one? Congrats! Now let’s spice things up.

Here are a few fun variations to work toward:

- Double Kickflip: Yep, flip it twice in the air.
- Kickflip to Fakie: Land riding backwards.
- Kickflip Manual: Land and balance on two wheels.
- Kickflip 180: Combine it with a 180 spin.

These can open the door to a whole new world. It gets addictive.

Final Thoughts: Stick With It

Look, landing a kickflip is a journey. You’ll get frustrated. You’ll slam. You’ll want to quit.

But when you finally land that first clean, buttery kickflip? Pure magic.

Remember, even pros had to learn it the hard way. It’s all about trial, error, and consistency. Keep pushing. Keep flicking. And keep having fun.

Now get out there and flip that board — you got this.

Bonus: Kickflip Cheat Sheet

| Step | What to Do |
|------|-------------|
| 1. Foot Placement | Back on tail, front angled behind front bolts |
| 2. Pop | Snap the tail hard with back foot |
| 3. Flick | Drag front foot up and flick off front corner |
| 4. Watch It Flip | Keep your eyes on the board |
| 5. Catch | Use your back foot to stop rotation |
| 6. Land | Bend your knees and roll away clean