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Writer's pictureWill Ermish

How to Nollie 360 Flip | Online Skateboard Coaching


A skating instructor teaching a kid how to pump in Venice Beach

Welcome to the thrilling world of skateboarding, where gravity-defying tricks and epic wipeouts are the order of the day. Today, we’re diving into one of the most mind-bending tricks in skateboarding: the nollie 360 flip. This trick is like the skateboarding equivalent of a triple-shot espresso—highly caffeinated and guaranteed to keep you on your toes.

But don’t worry if you’ve never attempted anything more complicated than a basic ollie. With the right guidance and a bit of grit, you’ll be nailing this trick like a pro in no time. And if you’re in Los Angeles and want to take your skateboarding skills to the next level, Coyote Skate & Surf School is here to help you achieve your goals—whether you’re looking to master the nollie 360 flip or catch some waves. So, strap in and get ready to learn how to tackle this complex trick!

What is a Nollie 360 Flip?

Breaking Down the Trick

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s break down what a nollie 360 flip actually involves. Picture this: a nollie (a nose ollie, where you pop the front of the board) combined with a 360 flip (a kickflip with a 360-degree spin). Sounds like a lot? That’s because it is! The nollie 360 flip is essentially a nollie kickflip with a 360-degree shove-it mixed in. Think of it as a skateboarding smoothie—throw in some nollie, a dash of kickflip, and a twist of 360 shove-it, and blend!

Key Components

  1. Nollie: Popping the board with the nose while riding fakie.

  2. Kickflip: Making the board flip along its horizontal axis.

  3. 360 Shove-it: Spinning the board 360 degrees on its vertical axis.

  4. Coordination: Syncing up the nollie, kickflip, and 360 shove-it so everything happens simultaneously.

Prerequisites: Build Your Foundation

Before attempting a nollie 360 flip, make sure you’ve mastered these fundamental tricks:

  1. Nollie: Get comfortable with popping the nose of the board.

  2. Kickflip: Nail down the timing and flick required for a kickflip.

  3. 360 Shove-it: Master the spin before adding the kickflip.

  4. Backside 180: Learn to rotate your body in the direction of the trick.

These basics will give you a solid foundation for tackling the nollie 360 flip.

Skateboard Setup: The Basics

Your skateboard setup can make or break your trick attempts. Here’s how to get your board in tip-top shape:

  1. Deck Size: Opt for a medium-sized deck (7.75" to 8.25") for the perfect balance of control and stability.

  2. Grip Tape: Ensure your grip tape is fresh and sticky. A grip tape that’s seen better days is like trying to bake a cake with stale flour—things just won’t turn out right.

  3. Trucks: Adjust your trucks to a comfortable tightness that allows for smooth spinning and solid landings.

  4. Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are great for street skating and learning flip tricks.

Foot Placement and Body Position

Getting your foot placement and body position right is crucial for a successful nollie 360 flip. Here’s how to set yourself up:

Foot Placement

  1. Front Foot: Place your front foot near the nose of the board, with your toes angled slightly to facilitate the kickflip. Imagine you’re about to perform a nollie—this is the same setup but with a bit more finesse.

  2. Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail of the board, angled slightly backward. This will help you scoop the board for the 360 shove-it.

Body Position

  1. Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board. Your upper body rotation will help with the trick’s overall spin.

  2. Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and flick. Your knees are your shock absorbers—treat them well!

  3. Head: Keep your head up and focus on the board. Your eyes are your best friends here, guiding the board through its spin.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Nollie 360 Flip

Step 1: Setup and Approach

Start rolling at a comfortable speed with your feet properly positioned. Find a smooth, flat surface to practice on—ideally one without cracks or pebbles, as they can turn your trick into an impromptu dance with gravity.

Step 2: Pop the Nollie

  1. Pop the Nose: Use your front foot to pop the nose of the board upward. This action initiates the board’s rise and sets up the trick.

Step 3: Execute the 360 Shove-it

  1. Scoop with the Back Foot: As you pop the board, use your back foot to scoop it in a 360-degree motion. This is the part where your board starts to spin, so give it a good, firm scoop.

Step 4: Flick the Kickflip

  1. Flick with the Front Foot: As the board rises and begins to spin, use your front foot to flick it. This will cause the board to flip while it’s spinning. Timing is everything here—too early or too late, and your trick could turn into a spectacular faceplant.

Step 5: Rotate Your Body

  1. Begin the Rotation: Start rotating your body 180 degrees in the same direction as the board’s spin. Use your shoulders to lead the rotation and keep your head aligned with the board.

Step 6: Catch the Board

  1. Spot the Board: Keep an eye on the board as it flips and spins beneath you. This will help you gauge its position and prepare to catch it.

  2. Catch with Your Back Foot: As the board completes its spin and flip, aim to catch it with your back foot. This will help stabilize the board and prepare you for landing.

Step 7: Land and Roll Away

  1. Land with Both Feet: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and ensure both feet are over the bolts for stability. Landing with both feet in the right place will help you roll away smoothly.

  2. Roll Away Smoothly: Maintain your balance and continue riding forward. It’s like sticking the landing after a high dive—smooth and stylish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Learning the nollie 360 flip can be tricky, and skaters often encounter similar issues. Here’s how to tackle common problems:

Problem 1: Incomplete Spin or Flip

Solution: Focus on your scoop and flick techniques. Ensure you’re applying enough force with your back foot to complete the spin and with your front foot to complete the flip. Practice each motion separately if needed.

Problem 2: Board Flipping Away

Solution: Check your foot placement and body alignment. Ensure your flick is directed towards the nose of the board and your scoop is consistent. Avoid flicking off to the side.

Problem 3: Not Completing the Body Rotation

Solution: Practice backside 180s to build confidence in the rotational aspect of the trick. Use your shoulders to initiate and complete the rotation.

Problem 4: Landing Off-Balance

Solution: Work on maintaining your balance throughout the trick. Keep your weight centered over the board and bend your knees to absorb the landing impact.

How Coyote Skate & Surf School Can Help

Mastering a trick like the nollie 360 flip requires guidance, practice, and dedication. Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles offers expert skateboard lessons and surf lessons to help skaters and surfers of all levels achieve their goals.

Why Choose Coyote Skate & Surf School?

  1. Experienced Instructors: Our team of passionate instructors are dedicated to helping you improve your skateboarding and surfing skills. They’ve got the expertise and the enthusiasm to get you to the next level.

  2. Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level and learning style. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine advanced tricks, we’ve got a program for you.

  3. Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate & Surf, we foster a supportive and encouraging environment. We believe in making learning fun and stress-free.

  4. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers everything from basic skills to advanced tricks. We offer structured lessons and practice sessions for efficient progress.

  5. Convenient Locations: Located in the heart of Los Angeles, we offer diverse locations for skateboarding and surfing experiences, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

Benefits of Professional Skateboarding and Surf Lessons

  1. Accelerated Learning: With professional guidance, you’ll learn tricks and techniques more quickly and efficiently. Our instructors provide valuable insights to speed up your learning process.

  2. Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Personalized feedback will improve your skills and help you develop your unique style.

  3. Increased Confidence: As you master new tricks and skills, your confidence on the board or in the water will grow. We provide a safe environment where you can take risks and push your limits.

  4. 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 habits.

Practice Drills and Exercises

To enhance your nollie 360 flip consistency and confidence, try these practice drills:

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 Drills

Perform kickflips to build confidence in the flicking motion. Practice catching the board with your feet and landing smoothly.

360 Shove-it Exercises

Practice 360 shove-its separately to improve your spinning technique. Pay attention to your back foot’s scooping motion.

Pop and Balance Exercises

Work on your ollies and nollies to build strength and balance. Focus on maintaining a consistent pop and landing smoothly with both feet over the bolts.

Embrace the Journey

Learning the nollie 360 flip is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the thrill of skateboarding. Whether you’re skating in Los Angeles or just dreaming of your next big trick, remember that every attempt brings you closer to mastering the nollie 360 flip.

With expert guidance from Coyote Skate & Surf School, you’ll have the support and knowledge you need to tackle this trick and reach new heights in your skateboarding journey. So grab your board, hit the streets, and let’s get flipping!

Ready to roll with style? Contact Coyote Skate & Surf School today for top-notch skateboard lessons and surf lessons in Los Angeles. Whether you’re aiming for that perfect nollie 360 flip or looking to ride the waves, we’ve got you covered. See you at the skatepark—or the surf!

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