Kickflip Troubleshooting
As this is an unusual trick for most people, I see the same mistakes happen over and over again:
If the board is rotating: your feet aren’t starting out in the right position. They need to be perfectly balanced, side-by-side. Most people end up spinning the board backside (clockwise for a regular footer); if you’re flipping with the back foot, it’s too far back, and needs moving towards the nose. On the other hand, if you’re flipping with the front foot and getting a backside rotation, your hooked foot is too far up, and needs moving back towards the tail.
If the board is landing upside down: there’s a good chance your front foot is doing too much. People tend to press down with that foot and try to make the board tumble over, as if this was some form of toeflip or pressure flip; in reality, the front foot only gets it started, then the back foot has to take over and kick upwards and to the side. That’ll get it into the air and give it more time to flip.
If the board is landing behind you: you’re probably dipping your head too much as you take off. Your body is a lever; whatever you do at the top of the body happens in reverse at the other end. In other words, by leaning forwards, you’re pushing the board backwards as you jump. Try to stay more upright.
