How To: Heelflip by VLSkate is a skateboarding tutorial for the Heelflip. VLSkate gives a clean three-part breakdown (pop, kick, landing) for beginners, noting that the motion is more of a straight kick forward than a curling flick, and recommends practicing the flick standing still before committing to a full ollie.
What this video teaches
VLSkate gives a clean three-part breakdown (pop, kick, landing) for beginners, noting that the motion is more of a straight kick forward than a curling flick, and recommends practicing the flick standing still before committing to a full ollie. Key advice includes keeping shoulders aligned over the board to prevent it from going behind you, and using a railing for early landing practice.
Key tips
1Place back foot in the heel-side pocket and front foot about halfway up the board with roughly an inch of toes hanging off
2Each foot on opposite sides of the board creates counterbalanced pressure needed to pop and flip cleanly
3The kick motion for a heelflip is more of a straight kick forward and slightly to the side, less of a curl than a kickflip
4Start with the front foot further back to feel the spin, then move it forward once you want more height and pop
5Practice kicking the heel off the front corner standing still before jumping both feet off
6Stay directly over the board with weight centered so the board flips under you rather than away from you
7Keep shoulders level and aligned over the board during the trick
8An ugly rocket heelflip still counts when you are first learning, do not worry about leveling it out immediately