Kickflip
Learn to perform a kickflip on a skateboard by practicing foot placement, popping, and flicking with helmet and pads, progressing safely with adult supervision.
Step-by-step guide to perform a kickflip on a skateboard
HOW TO KICKFLIP FOR BEGINNERS
Step 1
Put on your helmet knee pads elbow pads and wrist guards.
Step 2
Ask an adult to supervise stay nearby and help when needed.
Step 3
Place your skateboard on a flat smooth surface.
Step 4
Give the skateboard a gentle push to make sure the wheels roll freely.
Step 5
Put your front foot across the middle of the board and angle it slightly toward the nose.
Step 6
Put your back foot on the tail with the ball of your foot ready to snap down.
Step 7
Snap your back foot down quickly to pop the tail of the skateboard.
Step 8
Jump straight up as the tail pops so the board can rise under you.
Step 9
Slide your front toes off the front corner of the board and flick outward to start the flip.
Step 10
Combine the pop jump and the front-foot flick in one smooth motion to make the board flip once.
Step 11
Aim to land with both feet above the bolts and bend your knees to absorb the landing.
Step 12
Share a photo or video of your first kickflip on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have one of the protective pads or a skateboard?
If you don't have wrist guards or pads, use thick padded gloves and a sturdy bike or skate helmet and practice the pop and flick on carpet or grass with an adult supervising until you can use a proper skateboard on a flat smooth surface.
My board won't flip fully — what step am I probably doing wrong and how do I fix it?
If the board doesn't flip, focus on snapping your back foot down on the tail with the ball of your foot and sliding your front toes off the front corner to flick outward so the pop and front-foot flick combine into one smooth motion to make the board flip once.
How should we change the activity for different age groups?
For younger kids practice the pop and toe flick on grass or carpet while wearing helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards with an adult close by, while older kids can practice rolling kickflips on a flat smooth surface after a gentle push and using video to review form.
How can we extend or personalize the kickflip practice once we can land it?
To extend and personalize, mark the bolts with colored tape to aim to land both feet above the bolts and bend your knees to absorb the landing, try different grip tape or wheel setups for feel, and share a photo or video of your first kickflip on DIY.org to track progress.
Watch videos on how to perform a kickflip on a skateboard
How To Kickflip - Beginner Skateboard Tricks Tutorial (Slow Motion)
3 Videos
How To Kickflip - Beginner Skateboard Tricks Tutorial (Slow Motion)
HOW TO KICKFLIP - Beginner Skateboard Tricks Tutorial (Slow Motion) Easy Kickflips Common Mistakes
HOW TO KICKFLIP THE FASTEST WAY TUTORIAL FOR BEGINNERS
Facts about skateboarding for kids
⛑️ Wearing a helmet and pads dramatically lowers the chance of serious injury, which is why parks and pros strongly encourage protective gear when learning tricks.
🌀 A kickflip is basically an ollie plus a quick foot ‘flick’ that spins the board one full rotation along its length — all in a split second.
🛹 Rodney Mullen invented the kickflip (originally called the “magic flip”) in the early 1980s.
🏅 Skateboarding made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, putting street tricks like the kickflip on a global stage.
🤸♂️ Practicing kickflips builds balance, timing, and confidence — the trick is as much about repetition and fall-safety as it is about technique.
How do I teach my child to do a kickflip on a skateboard?
What materials and safety gear do I need to practice a kickflip with my child?
What ages is learning a kickflip suitable for?
What are safety tips and benefits of teaching a child to kickflip?
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