Master The Heelflip A Step-by-Step Skateboarding Guide

Heelflips, an iconic skateboarding trick, are a testament to a skater's skill and dedication. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to heelflip, perfect for both beginners and those looking to refine their technique. We'll cover everything from the basic foot positioning to troubleshooting common problems, ensuring you have all the information you need to land this impressive trick.

Understanding the Heelflip

The heelflip is a variation of the kickflip, but instead of flipping the board with your front foot towards your heel, you're using your heel to flick the board in the opposite direction. This creates a unique spinning motion that's both stylish and challenging to master. A well-executed heelflip not only looks impressive but also opens the door to a wide range of other skateboarding tricks. Before diving into the steps, let's talk about what makes the heelflip so unique and why it's a valuable trick to add to your repertoire.

The beauty of the heelflip lies in its distinct rotation. Unlike a kickflip, where the board rotates towards your toes, a heelflip sends the board spinning towards your heel. This subtle difference in foot placement and flicking motion results in a trick that feels and looks significantly different. For many skaters, the heelflip can be more intuitive than the kickflip, while others find it more challenging. Regardless of where you stand, the heelflip is a fundamental trick that will enhance your board control and expand your trick vocabulary.

Prerequisites: Before You Start Heelflipping

Before attempting a heelflip, you must have a solid foundation in basic skateboarding skills. This includes being comfortable with riding, pushing, turning, and most importantly, the ollie. A good ollie is the bedrock of almost all skateboarding tricks, and the heelflip is no exception. You need to be able to ollie consistently and with a decent height to give yourself enough time to execute the heelflip motion and land cleanly.

Besides a solid ollie, you should also be comfortable with the shuvit and the pop shuvit. These tricks will help you understand the rotational aspects of skateboarding and prepare you for the heelflip's unique flick. If you can confidently perform these tricks, you'll find the transition to heelflips much smoother. Remember, skateboarding is all about progression, so don't rush into heelflips before you're ready. Taking the time to master the fundamentals will pay off in the long run.

Foot Positioning: Setting Up for Success

The key to a successful heelflip lies in your foot positioning. The correct foot placement will allow you to generate the necessary pop and flick to rotate the board effectively. Your back foot should be positioned on the tail, similar to an ollie, but slightly angled with your toes hanging off the edge. This angle allows you to scoop the tail and initiate the pop.

Your front foot is where the magic happens in a heelflip. It should be placed slightly behind the front bolts, angled towards the nose of the board, with your heel hanging off the edge. This positioning is crucial for the flick. As you come up, you'll use your heel to flick the board diagonally forward and away from you. Experiment with different front foot positions to find what feels most comfortable and gives you the best flick. Some skaters prefer their front foot more angled, while others prefer it more square. The key is to find what works for you. Remember, consistent foot positioning is essential for consistent heelflips.

Step-by-Step Guide: Landing Your First Heelflip

Now that you understand the fundamentals, let's break down the heelflip into manageable steps:

1. Set Up: Position your feet as described above, ensuring your weight is balanced over the board. Get a feel for the stance and make sure you're comfortable.
2. Bend Your Knees: Just like an ollie, bend your knees and prepare to pop. This crouching motion stores energy for the jump and the pop, which are both critical for getting the board airborne.
3. Pop: Snap the tail down sharply to pop the board into the air. The pop is the foundation of the heelflip, so make sure it's solid and controlled. Focus on getting the board off the ground with a clean, even pop.
4. Flick: As you jump, use your front heel to flick the board forward and outwards. This is the defining motion of the heelflip. Think of dragging your heel up the nose of the board at a slight angle.
5. Jump and Stay Over the Board: It's crucial to jump high enough to clear the rotating board and stay centered over it. Many beginners tend to lean back, causing the board to flip away from them. Focus on jumping straight up and staying balanced.
6. Catch: As the board completes its rotation, spot the landing and bring your feet down to catch the bolts. Try to land with your knees bent to absorb the impact. This helps prevent injury and makes for a smoother landing.
7. Roll Away: Once you've landed, bend your knees further to absorb any remaining impact and ride away smoothly. This completes the trick and solidifies the feeling of landing a heelflip.

Practicing the Motion

Before trying the heelflip while rolling, it's helpful to practice the motion while stationary. This allows you to focus on the pop and flick without the added complexity of movement. Start by placing your board on a soft surface, such as grass or carpet, to prevent it from rolling away. Practice the foot positioning, the pop, and the flick, paying close attention to how the board rotates. You'll want to get a feel for the motion before trying it in motion.

Another helpful practice technique is to break the heelflip down into its individual components. Practice the ollie, then practice just the flick, then practice the jump and catch. By isolating each element, you can identify areas where you need improvement and work on them individually. This methodical approach will make the heelflip feel less daunting and more achievable.

Common Problems and Solutions

Learning the heelflip can be frustrating, and it's common to encounter challenges along the way. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Board Not Flipping: This is often due to incorrect foot positioning or not flicking hard enough. Make sure your front heel is hanging off the edge of the board and that you're flicking with sufficient force. Try exaggerating the flick motion and focusing on dragging your heel up the nose of the board.
• Board Flipping Too Much: If the board is flipping too much, you might be flicking too hard or too early. Try flicking with less force and timing your flick as you're coming up in your jump. You might also want to adjust your front foot positioning to be slightly less angled.
• Landing Behind the Board: This usually happens when you're leaning back during the trick. Focus on jumping straight up and staying centered over the board. Visualize yourself landing directly over the bolts.
• Landing in Front of the Board: This is often caused by flicking too late or not jumping forward enough. Try flicking earlier in the motion and consciously jumping slightly forward to stay over the board.
• Not Getting Enough Pop: A weak pop will make it difficult to get the board high enough to complete the heelflip. Focus on snapping the tail down sharply and using your back ankle to generate maximum pop. You might also want to practice your ollies to improve your overall pop technique.

The Importance of Persistence

Learning to heelflip takes time and practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't land it right away. Skateboarding is a journey, and every fall is a learning opportunity. The key is to stay persistent, keep practicing, and break down the trick into smaller, more manageable steps. Watch videos of other skaters doing heelflips, experiment with different techniques, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced skaters.

Advanced Heelflip Variations

Once you've mastered the basic heelflip, the possibilities are endless. There are numerous variations you can try, each adding a unique twist to the trick. Here are a few popular options:

• Nollie Heelflip: This is a heelflip performed from a nollie position, where you pop the nose of the board instead of the tail. It's a more technical trick that requires precise foot positioning and timing.
• Switch Heelflip: This is a heelflip performed in your switch stance, meaning you're riding and popping with your non-dominant foot. It's a great way to improve your board control and expand your trick repertoire.
• Fakie Heelflip: This is a heelflip performed while riding backward in your regular stance. It's a stylish trick that can be incorporated into lines and combos.
• Heelflip Down Stairs or Gaps: Once you're comfortable with heelflips on flat ground, you can start trying them over obstacles. This requires a high level of confidence and control, so make sure you're fully prepared before attempting these variations.

Incorporating Heelflips into Your Skateboarding

Heelflips are not just a standalone trick; they can be seamlessly integrated into your skateboarding style and lines. Try combining heelflips with other tricks, such as ollies, kickflips, and grinds, to create unique and flowing sequences. You can also use heelflips to get into or out of various obstacles, adding a touch of flair to your skating. The more you experiment with heelflips, the more you'll discover their versatility and potential.

Safety First: Protect Yourself While Learning

Skateboarding can be risky, and it's important to prioritize safety, especially when learning new tricks. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. These will help protect you from serious injuries if you fall. Choose a safe place to practice, away from traffic and other hazards. A smooth, flat surface is ideal for learning heelflips.

Start slowly and gradually increase the difficulty of your tricks as you progress. Don't try to do too much too soon, and be patient with yourself. Learning skateboarding tricks takes time, so focus on making small improvements each session. If you're feeling tired or frustrated, take a break. It's better to come back fresh than to push yourself too hard and risk injury.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Process

Learning to heelflip is a rewarding experience that will significantly enhance your skateboarding skills. It requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to push yourself. But most importantly, it should be enjoyable. Skateboarding is about having fun and expressing yourself, so don't forget to savor the process. Celebrate your progress, learn from your mistakes, and never stop pushing your limits.

With the right guidance, consistent practice, and a positive attitude, you'll be landing heelflips in no time. So grab your board, find a smooth spot, and start working on those heelflips today. The feeling of landing your first heelflip is truly exhilarating, and it's a milestone you'll remember for years to come. Happy skating!