How to Kick Flip

The kick flip is one of the most basic but essential tricks.  This trick is one of the most basic, but also the most important.  The kick flip was created by Rodney Mullen which originally called it the magic flip.  The kick flip consists of the Ollie along with a flip of the board thus the name "kick flip".  The most important aspect to accomplish this trick is foot placement.  The back foot should be be placed upon the tail towards the top.  When placing your foot in this position it should be at a slight 45 degree angle and you should be on the ball of your foot.  By staying on the ball of your foot you will be able to get a better "pop" aka more height on your kick flip.  Your front foot when attempting the kick flip should also be at a slight angle right below the first sets of bolts.  In order to get the board to flip the pop and the flick must be timed perfectly.  When popping the board at the same time you will have to kick your foot at a 45 degree angle down and out towards the nose of the board.  If this is done correctly the board will flip.  Although this is one of the simplest tricks it is essential to master in order to learn double flips, treflips, halfcab flips, and variel flips.  Stay positive and motivated and you will be able to master this trick. Another key reminder is to jump extremely high when flipping this trick.  The higher you jump, the more time you will have to try and catch the board.  A common misstake is when skaters get scared to jump up with the board and do not give it enough time for a full rotation.