The kickflip, invented by the skateboarder Rodney Mullen, is one of the first tricks, after the standard ollie, that a skateboarder will attempt to master. It involves the rider launching his board into the air and manipulating it so that the deck flips horizontally through 360 degrees, allowing the skater to land back on the ground with his feet in the same position as when he started the flip.
Build Up
Getting enough height is one of the hardest elements in executing a good kickflip. It's important that you can do an ollie before attempting a kickflip because a kickflip is just a variation on the ollie movement. Start by practicing the flip in a stationary position. Stand with your back foot on the tail of the skateboard and your front foot at a slightly slanted angle, with your front heel positioned off the edge of the deck right below the front bolts of the board.
Take Off and Flip
As though you are carrying out a normal ollie, bend your knees and pop your board as high as possible, but focus on staying right above your board. This is where the flick comes into play. Once you are above your board, raise your back foot to allow the board to continue its rise. Shift your focus to your front foot and flick the deck of your board by moving the part of your foot that is in contact with the deck outward from the center of the board. Concentrate on generating as much flick as possible from your toes without pushing downward, which will only cut short the flip and make it harder to land.
Reconnect and Land
Keep your feet away from the board as it spins. You will now be reaching the top of the trajectory of your jump, and the board's path through the air, so you need to shift you attention to reconnecting with the board. Commitment is crucial here because a lackadaisical attempt will almost result in failure. Follow the path of the board carefully. As it reaches the top of its spin, prepare yourself by focusing on your landing targets on the deck. As the board levels out, push your feet onto the deck with force, just like landing a regular ollie. Use you knees to absorb the force of the landing and to stabilize yourself. The practice required to get a smooth, consistent flip has only begun.
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