Our head skate coach Coyote Rob breaks it down in today's trick tip tutorial!
The kickflip crooked grind is a visually striking and technically challenging trick that combines the smoothness of a kickflip with the precision of a crooked grind. It’s a must-learn for any skateboarder looking to impress and push their skills to the next level. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to mastering the kickflip crooked grind, discuss common mistakes and solutions, and highlight how Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles can help you learn this trick. Whether you’re skating in Venice Beach or Santa Monica, we’ll ensure you have the tools to take your skateboarding skills to new heights.
Understanding the Kickflip Crooked Grind
What is a Kickflip Crooked Grind?
The kickflip crooked grind is a combination of two fundamental skateboarding tricks:
Kickflip: A flip trick where the skateboard flips 360 degrees along its axis by flicking the edge with your front foot.
Crooked Grind: A grind where the front truck is locked onto a rail or ledge at an angle, with the tail hanging off to one side.
Key Components of the Kickflip Crooked Grind
Kickflip: Executing a clean kickflip to get the board flipping under you.
Approach and Lock: Aligning your board to the ledge or rail and locking into the crooked grind.
Balance and Control: Maintaining balance and control while sliding along the obstacle.
Dismount: Executing a clean dismount from the grind.
Building Your Foundation: Prerequisite Skills
Before attempting a kickflip crooked grind, ensure you’re comfortable with the following tricks:
Kickflip: Mastering this foundational flip trick will give you the control needed for the flip portion.
Ollie: Being able to ollie onto ledges and rails is crucial for a successful grind.
Crooked Grind: Familiarize yourself with locking into and sliding in a crooked grind.
Setting Up Your Skateboard for Success
Having the right skateboard setup can significantly enhance your ability to perform a kickflip crooked grind. Here are some considerations:
Deck Size: Choose a deck size that you’re comfortable with, usually between 7.75" to 8.25", for a good balance of control and stability.
Grip Tape: Ensure your grip tape is fresh and grippy to help with flicking the board.
Trucks: Medium-tight trucks offer a balance between stability for grinding and responsiveness for flicking.
Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are ideal for street skating and learning flip tricks.
Foot Placement and Body Position
Correct foot placement and body positioning are crucial for executing a successful kickflip crooked grind. Here’s how to set up:
Foot Placement
Front Foot: Position your front foot slightly behind the front bolts, angled slightly towards the nose. This setup will help you get the flick for the kickflip.
Back Foot: Place your back foot on the tail, with your toes positioned for a quick pop.
Body Position
Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board, and prepare to lean slightly forward for the grind.
Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and flick.
Head: Keep your eyes on the target ledge or rail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Kickflip Crooked Grind
Step 1: Approach the Ledge
Speed and Angle: Approach the ledge or rail at a moderate speed and a slight angle. The angle should allow you to lock into the grind without losing momentum.
Step 2: Execute the Kickflip
Pop and Flick: As you near the obstacle, pop the board with your back foot and flick the edge with your front foot to initiate the kickflip. Aim for a clean, controlled flip.
Step 3: Lock into the Crooked Grind
Spot the Ledge: As the board flips, spot the ledge and prepare to lock the front truck onto it.
Align and Lock: Once the board completes the flip, aim to lock the front truck onto the ledge at a slight angle. Your weight should be centered over the front foot.
Step 4: Slide and Maintain Balance
Balance: Use your shoulders and core to maintain balance as you slide along the obstacle. Keep your weight forward to prevent slipping out.
Step 5: Execute a Clean Dismount
Pop Off: As you near the end of the ledge, apply slight pressure on the tail to pop off.
Land Smoothly: Aim to land with both feet over the bolts and roll away smoothly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Learning the kickflip crooked grind can be challenging, and skaters often encounter similar issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Problem 1: Incomplete Kickflip
Solution: Focus on the flick motion of your front foot. Practice flicking straight out rather than downward to ensure the board flips fully.
Problem 2: Missing the Lock
Solution: Practice locking into crooked grinds separately to build muscle memory. Approach the ledge at a slight angle and focus on getting the front truck locked.
Problem 3: Losing Balance in the Grind
Solution: Maintain your weight over the front foot and use your shoulders to keep balance. Practice holding the grind for longer distances to improve stability.
Problem 4: Struggling with Dismount
Solution: Focus on timing your pop-off correctly. Practice ollies off ledges to improve your timing and control when dismounting.
How Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles Can Help
Mastering a trick like the kickflip crooked grind requires guidance, practice, and dedication. Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles offers expert lessons and personalized coaching to help skaters of all levels learn this trick.
Why Choose Coyote Skate School?
Experienced Instructors: Our team of experienced instructors are passionate about skateboarding and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level and learning style, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater.
Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate School, we foster a supportive and encouraging environment where skaters can learn, progress, and have fun.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers a wide range of tricks and skills, from basics to advanced maneuvers. We provide structured lessons and practice sessions for efficient progress.
Convenient Locations: Located 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.
Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons
Accelerated Learning: With professional guidance, you’ll learn tricks more quickly and efficiently. Our instructors provide valuable insights and techniques to accelerate your learning process.
Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Our instructors provide personalized feedback to improve your skills and develop your unique style.
Increased Confidence: As you progress and master new tricks, your confidence on the board will grow. We provide a safe and supportive 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 kickflip crooked grind consistency and confidence, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:
Kickflip Practice
Focus on perfecting your kickflip technique on flat ground. Pay attention to the flick motion and ensure the board is flipping cleanly and consistently.
Crooked Grind Drills
Perform crooked grinds on curbs and ledges to build confidence in locking into and maintaining balance during the grind.
Kickflip to Grind Progression
Practice combining kickflips with grinds on low obstacles. Start with simpler grinds, such as 50-50 or 5-0 grinds, before attempting the crooked grind.
Ollie to Grind Exercises
Work on ollieing onto ledges and rails to improve your approach and balance. Focus on locking into the grind and maintaining control throughout the slide.
Embrace the Journey
Learning the kickflip crooked grind is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires patience, persistence, and passion. 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 kickflip crooked grind and expanding your skateboarding repertoire. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, there's always something new to learn and discover in the world of skateboarding. Keep pushing your limits, exploring new tricks, and enjoying the incredible journey that skateboarding offers.
Comments