How to Hardflip on a Skateboard: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

The hardflip is a thrilling, attention-grabbing skateboard trick that combines elements of a frontside flip with a shove-it. While challenging to master, learning how to hardflip on a skateboard will add serious style and skill to any rider’s repertoire. The move involves flipping the board with a kick while spinning it 180 degrees. It looks complex but can be learned with consistent practice and the right technique.

Whether you’re new to skateboarding or have been practicing tricks for a while, here’s a guide that breaks down each step and helps you understand the mechanics behind the hardflip.

1. Table of Contents

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   Understanding the Basics of the Hardflip

Before diving into the hardflip, it’s essential to get comfortable with both the frontside flip and the frontside shove-it. Mastering these two tricks will make the hardflip much easier to understand and perform. A hardflip combines the two moves, requiring precise timing and foot placement to execute smoothly.

To make the trick look clean, be mindful of your board control and body balance. The more balanced and controlled you are, the better your chances of landing the trick. While the hardflip may seem intimidating at first, you’ll feel a sense of achievement as you see improvement with practice.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Hardflip

To start, position your feet in a way that gives you control over the board’s flick and rotation. The front foot should be angled slightly forward, near the middle of the board, while the back foot is positioned on the tail for a clean scoop. This setup allows the board to flip and rotate simultaneously. Explore skateboardtrends for more insights and foot placement tips from pro skaters.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Foot Positioning: Place your front foot angled slightly forward in the middle of the skateboard, and position your back foot on the tail at an angle. This setup is crucial for creating the scooping motion needed for the hardflip.
2. Pop and Scoop: Use your back foot to scoop the board forward as you pop, initiating the shove-it motion. While popping, flick your front foot to create the board’s flip. The hardflip requires both the pop and flip to occur simultaneously.
3. Focus on the Flip and Rotation: As you scoop, push forward and allow your front foot to guide the board’s flip. Practicing your timing is key to getting the board to flip and rotate smoothly.
4. Follow Through: Keep your eyes on the board as it flips and rotates. This helps you stay balanced and land accurately.
5. Catch and Land: Once the board completes its rotation, bring your feet back to catch it. Bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact and help you maintain balance.

3. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning how to hardflip on a skateboard can be tricky, and most beginners face challenges like foot placement and timing.

Here are common mistakes and how to address them:

• Uneven Flip: If your board doesn’t flip completely, adjust your front foot placement. A solid flick with the right angle will lead to a clean rotation.
• Missing the Scoop: Scooping is vital for this trick. A weak scoop can lead to a failed flip, so practice the pop and scoop motion until it feels natural.
• Inconsistent Timing: Timing is everything with hardflips. If your flips are inconsistent, spend time on the frontside flip and shove-it moves to build muscle memory.

Learning this trick takes practice, and each rider may find a unique method that works best. Skateboarding often requires experimentation, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments.

In the skateboarding world, fans of Shadow the Hedgehog skateboards can even explore boards with designs inspired by the iconic character, blending style with functionality for performing tricks like the hardflip. Check out the Shadow the Hedgehog skateboard for a unique addition to your setup.

Related: What Not to Do When Skateboarding

4. Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Hardflip

Even advanced skaters need practice and tips to perfect their hardflips.

Here are some extra tips from experienced skaters:

• Practice on Smooth Surfaces: Find a flat, smooth surface for practicing. This minimizes resistance and helps you focus solely on the trick’s mechanics.
• Use a Slight Bend in the Knees: Staying low with slightly bent knees will help you keep balance during the trick.
• Watch Pros Perform: Watching slow-motion videos of professionals performing hardflips can give you insight into timing and foot placement.
• Keep Consistent Practice: Like all skateboard tricks, repetition is key. The more you practice, the better your balance, timing, and control become.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Hardflip with Confidence

Mastering the hardflip on a skateboard is not only about technique but also about developing patience and consistency. Beginners may need several attempts before successfully landing, but each try brings you closer to nailing the move. As you progress, you’ll likely gain confidence and the ability to apply similar techniques to even more advanced tricks.

Getting comfortable with hardflips can boost your overall skateboarding skills, opening up new possibilities in trick combinations and style. With practice, persistence, and a bit of flair, the hardflip will soon become a highlight in your skateboarding routine.

Happy skating!