Coyote Rob gives us another lesson in savage trickery in today's trick tip tutorial!
So, you’ve conquered the ollies, kickflips, and even the elusive tre flips, but now you’re ready to take your skateboard game to the next level. Enter the hardflip—a trick that combines the elegance of a kickflip with the spin of a shove-it. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your skateboard do an impressive mid-air dance move, you’re in the right place. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into everything you need to know to master the hardflip. And guess what? Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles is here to help you nail it with style and flair.
What is a Hardflip?
The hardflip is like the skateboard equivalent of mixing peanut butter with jelly: it sounds simple but packs a powerful punch. It’s essentially a kickflip combined with a 180-degree shove-it. Here’s the breakdown:
Kickflip: Your front foot flicks the board to make it spin horizontally.
180 Shove-it: Your back foot scoops the board to make it spin vertically.
Put them together, and voila— you get a hardflip. It’s a trick that requires not only skill but also a bit of finesse and a whole lot of practice.
Prerequisites: Build Your Foundation
Before you get all ambitious with hardflips, you need to have a solid foundation. Here’s a list of tricks you should master first:
Ollie: The basic trick that lets you lift the board off the ground.
Kickflip: The trick that gets your board flipping horizontally.
180 Shove-it: The trick that spins your board 180 degrees vertically.
Think of these tricks as your skateboard’s training wheels. Master them, and you’ll be better prepared for the complexity of the hardflip.
Preparing Your Skateboard Setup
The right skateboard setup can make or break your hardflip attempts. Here’s what you need to ensure your board is in tip-top shape:
Deck Size: Opt for a medium-sized deck, around 7.75" to 8.25". This size provides a perfect balance between control and stability.
Grip Tape: Fresh grip tape is crucial. It ensures that your feet stick to the board when you’re performing tricks.
Trucks: Adjust your trucks to a comfortable tightness. Too tight, and your board won’t flip properly; too loose, and you’ll be wobbly.
Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are ideal for street skating and learning flip tricks.
Foot Placement and Body Position
The key to a successful hardflip lies in perfecting your foot placement and body position. Let’s break it down:
Foot Placement
Front Foot: Place your front foot just behind the front bolts, at an angle similar to a kickflip. Your toes should hang off the edge slightly.
Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail of the board, angled slightly to scoop it effectively. Your toes should be hanging off the edge to get a good scoop.
Body Position
Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board. You’ll need to rotate your shoulders 180 degrees, so keep them parallel to the board for a clean spin.
Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and flip. The more you bend, the more control you’ll have over the trick.
Head: Keep your head up and your eyes on the board. This will help you spot it mid-air and prepare for landing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Hardflip
Now that you’ve got your board and your body in the right place, it’s time to break down the hardflip into manageable steps.
Step 1: Setup and Approach
Start by riding at a moderate speed on a flat, smooth surface. Get into position with your feet correctly placed, and get ready to pop.
Step 2: Pop the Board
Pop the Tail: Use your back foot to pop the tail of the board downwards. This will initiate the upward motion of the board.
Scoop the Tail: Simultaneously, scoop the tail of the board with your back foot to start the 180-degree spin. The scoop needs to be firm and decisive.
Step 3: Flick the Kickflip
Flick with the Front Foot: As the board begins to rise, use your front foot to flick the edge of the board. Slide your foot up towards the nose and flick it outwards to start the kickflip rotation.
Maintain Control: Keep your front foot in control to ensure the board flips properly.
Step 4: Rotate Your Body
Initiate the Rotation: As you pop and flick the board, begin rotating your body 180 degrees in the direction of the board’s spin. Use your shoulders and hips to guide the rotation.
Step 5: Spot the Board
Look for the Board: While the board is spinning and flipping, keep your eyes on it. This will help you spot it and prepare for landing.
Step 6: Catch the Board
Catch with Your Back Foot: As the board completes its flip and spin, catch it with your back foot to stabilize it. This will help you control the board and prepare for landing.
Step 7: Land and Roll Away
Land with Both Feet: Aim to land with both feet over the bolts. Bend your knees to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
Roll Away Smoothly: Continue riding forward smoothly, celebrating your successful hardflip.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Learning the hardflip can come with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common issues and tips to troubleshoot them:
Problem 1: Incomplete Flip or Spin
Solution: Ensure you’re using enough force with both your front and back feet. Practice the flick and scoop motions separately if needed. Also, check your timing to make sure you’re synchronizing the flip and spin correctly.
Problem 2: Board Flipping Away
Solution: Pay attention to your foot placement and body alignment. Ensure your flick is directed towards the nose of the board and your scoop is focused. Keep your shoulders aligned with the board for a clean rotation.
Problem 3: Not Completing the Body Rotation
Solution: Practice backside 180s to build confidence in the rotational aspect. Use your shoulders and hips to initiate and complete the rotation. Also, focus on the timing of your body rotation in relation to the board’s spin.
Problem 4: Landing Off-Balance
Solution: Focus on maintaining your balance throughout the trick. Keep your weight centered over the board and use your knees to absorb the landing impact. Practice landing on flat ground to build confidence and stability.
How Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles Can Help
Mastering a trick like the hardflip requires guidance, practice, and a bit of humor. Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles offers expert lessons and personalized coaching to help skaters of all levels learn this and other tricks. Here’s why our skate school is the perfect place for you to get your hardflip on:
Why Choose Coyote Skate School?
Experienced Instructors: Our team of experienced instructors is passionate about skateboarding and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. We’ve been through the grind (literally) and know exactly how to help you master tricky moves like the hardflip.
Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level and learning style. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, we’ve got you covered.
Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate School, we create a supportive and fun environment where skaters can learn, progress, and have a blast. We believe that a good laugh and a few high-fives make the learning process a lot more enjoyable.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers a wide range of tricks and skills, from basics to advanced maneuvers. We provide structured lessons and practice sessions to help you progress efficiently and effectively.
Convenient Locations: Based in the heart of Los Angeles, our skate school is easily accessible and offers diverse locations for skateboarding experiences, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Plus, who wouldn’t want to learn to skate while soaking up some California sunshine?
Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons
Accelerated Learning: With professional guidance, you’ll learn tricks faster and more efficiently. Our instructors provide valuable insights and techniques to speed up your learning process.
Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Our personalized feedback will help you develop your unique style and improve your overall skills.
Increased Confidence: As you progress and master new tricks, your confidence on the board will grow. We provide a safe and encouraging environment where you can take risks and push your limits.
Safety and Injury Prevention: Our instructors prioritize safety and teach proper techniques to minimize the risk of injury. We emphasize the importance of wearing protective gear and practicing smart skateboarding habits.
Practice Drills and Exercises
To improve your hardflip consistency and confidence, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:
Nollie Practice
Work on your nollie technique by practicing nollies on flat ground. Focus on popping the board with your front foot and leveling it out with your back foot.
Kickflip Variations
Perform kickflips with different flick intensities and angles to understand how the board reacts. This practice will improve your control over the kickflip portion of the hardflip.
180 Shove-it Exercises
Practice 180 shove-its separately to build confidence in the spinning aspect of the trick. Pay attention to your back foot’s scooping motion and ensure you’re spinning the board cleanly.
Pop and Balance Exercises
Work on your pop and balance by performing ollies and nollies on flat ground. Focus on maintaining a consistent pop and landing smoothly with both feet over the bolts.
Embrace the Journey
Learning the hardflip is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and a sense of humor. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and remember that every attempt brings you closer to mastering the trick. Whether you’re skating in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, enjoy the thrill of skateboarding and the endless possibilities it offers.
By following this comprehensive guide and seeking expert guidance from Coyote Skate School, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the hardflip and expanding your skateboarding repertoire. Remember, skateboarding is about having fun, pushing your limits, and enjoying the ride. So, put on your helmet, grab your board, and get ready to add that epic hardflip to your trick list. And if you need a little help along the way, you know where to find us—at Coyote Skate School, where we turn skate dreams into reality.
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