How To: Heelflip
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
- Place back foot in the heel-side pocket and front foot about halfway up the board with roughly an inch of toes hanging off
- Each foot on opposite sides of the board creates counterbalanced pressure needed to pop and flip cleanly
- The kick motion for a heelflip is more of a straight kick forward and slightly to the side, less of a curl than a kickflip
- Start with the front foot further back to feel the spin, then move it forward once you want more height and pop
- Practice kicking the heel off the front corner standing still before jumping both feet off
- Stay directly over the board with weight centered so the board flips under you rather than away from you
- Keep shoulders level and aligned over the board during the trick
- An ugly rocket heelflip still counts when you are first learning, do not worry about leveling it out immediately
Summarized from the video transcript.
Teaches
Heelflip