Flipping with Style: The Heelflip
The heelflip is a slick skateboard trick where you flip the board 360 degrees along its length using your heel, opposite to the kickflip. It’s a stylish move that adds flair to your street skating and sets the stage for tricks like the varial heelflip. Though it’s a step up from the ollie, with practice, you can land it clean and impress at the skatepark.
Follow our step-by-step guide and use the Skate Tricks app for slow-motion tutorials to master your heelflip!
How to Heelflip: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Here’s how to land a heelflip. Practice on a smooth, flat surface like a driveway or skatepark, and wear a helmet. Being solid with your ollie and kickflip will help.
- Set Your Stance: Place your back foot on the tail, similar to an ollie, with toes angled slightly for popping. Position your front foot just behind the front bolts, angled 45 degrees toward the tail, with your toes hanging off the edge slightly.
- Pop the Tail: Bend your knees and snap the tail down hard with your back foot to pop the board into the air, using the same force as an ollie.
- Flick with Your Heel: As the board pops, drag your front foot’s heel forward and upward toward the nose, flicking off the edge (near the concave). This heel flick spins the board 360 degrees in the opposite direction of a kickflip.
- Jump and Catch: Jump upward, keeping your eyes on the board as it flips. Let it complete the full rotation, then catch it with your back foot first to stop the flip, followed by your front foot.
- Land and Roll: Bend your knees to absorb the impact as you land with both feet over the bolts. Roll away smoothly, keeping your balance centered.
Tips for Success:
- Practice the heel flick motion on the ground to get the feel before popping.
- Keep your shoulders aligned with the board to avoid spinning your body.
- Use the Skate Tricks app’s video guides to perfect your heel flick timing and foot placement.
Ready to heelflip like a pro? Download the Skate Tricks app for detailed tutorials and take your street game to the next level!