The backside flip is one of those tricks that carries a unique style and feeling. Many legendary skaters have executed this trick in ways that have inspired generations. Learning the backside flip requires attention to detail, precision in technique, and patience in execution. Let's break it down step by step.
1. Foot Position
The standard foot placement for a backside flip involves:
-
Front Foot: Positioned just below the front bolts, anywhere between halfway down the board and right up by the bolts. The ball of your foot should be centered or slightly hanging off the heel side, which helps facilitate the flip.
-
Back Foot: Placed in the toe-side pocket of the tail. This positioning ensures that you can push on the toe-side to counterbalance the pressure your front foot applies on the heel-side, creating a reactive board ready for flipping and spinning.
-
Variations: Experiment with foot placement to see what works best. A wider stance results in a quicker pop, while a lower front foot placement offers more control mid-air.
2. Weight Distribution
-
Keep your weight just inside your front heel, balancing on the balls of your feet.
-
A slightly rearward balance point allows for a controlled pop and rotation.
-
A narrower stance reduces the range of balance, making proper positioning crucial.
-
Adjustments: Widening your stance increases balance stability, but be mindful of not leaning too far forward.
3. Loading Phase
-
Simultaneously wind up your shoulders and squat down.
-
Keep your trailing shoulder over your front toe to avoid falling forward.
-
Maintain weight equally distributed between both feet.
-
A small trick: Bend your back knee slightly more than your front knee to distribute weight properly.
-
Avoid leaning too far back as it will interfere with your kickflip mechanics.
4. Pairing Rotation with Launch
-
The key is to rotate as you jump, not before.
-
Common mistake: Rotating at the bottom of the crouch instead of during takeoff, which leads to weaker flips.
-
As you extend your legs, initiate rotation, allowing your natural motion to guide the board through the trick.
-
When done correctly, this technique makes the backside flip feel like a regular kickflip with an automatic spin.
5. Tail Strike
-
The pop should be slightly on the toe-side section of the tail.
-
You don’t need to actively scoop the tail for rotation; your pre-wound shoulders and takeoff will handle that.
-
A higher pop results in a stronger ollie and better control.
-
Beginners might find it easier to send the tail down with a slight shove-it motion, but this can limit progression.
-
Advanced skaters should focus on a proper ollie and flick, allowing for higher and more controlled backside flips.
6. Footwork in the Air
-
Flick your front foot off the nose, not straight down.
-
Ideally, rest your foot against the upper right nose pocket and guide the board rather than forcefully kicking it away.
-
Small adjustments with your front foot can help control the flip and catch.
-
The key to consistency is feeling the nose of the board against your foot, allowing for precise flips.
-
A well-executed flick results in higher, cleaner, and more controlled backside flips.
7. Landing Sequence
-
At the 90-degree mark, check where the board is relative to your centerline.
-
The board should be slightly behind you, on your heel side.
-
Your back foot should be positioned slightly toe-side, while your front foot’s heel should be slightly off the heel side.
-
This positioning enables you to guide the final rotation and land squarely.
-
Keep your eyes on the bolts and land softly—overpowering the catch can cause the board to bounce away.
Final Thoughts
The backside flip is a combination of technique, balance, and timing. Focusing on each of these phases will help you refine your execution and land this trick consistently. Experiment with foot placement, weight distribution, and flick technique until you find the combination that works best for you. With practice, backside flips will become one of your favorite go-to tricks in any session!