Welcome, skateboard enthusiasts and aspiring shredders, to the ultimate guide on nailing the nollie backside heel flip! If you’ve ever dreamt of impressing your friends with your ability to perform this stylish trick, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down the nollie backside heel flip, offer tips, tricks, and common pitfalls, and show you how Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles can help you achieve skateboarding greatness. Grab your board and let’s dive in!
What is a Nollie Backside Heel Flip?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what a nollie backside heel flip is. This trick combines a nollie (a nose ollie) with a backside heel flip, making it a smooth, stylish, and downright impressive maneuver. Here’s a breakdown:
Nollie: This is like an ollie but with your front foot. You pop the nose of the skateboard, and the board jumps into the air.
Backside Heel Flip: The board flips 360 degrees while rotating 180 degrees in the backside direction, with your back foot flicking it in a heel flip motion.
Combining these two elements, the nollie backside heel flip involves popping the board with your front foot while simultaneously using your back foot to flick the board in a heel flip motion and spinning it 360 degrees. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be the star of your local skatepark!
Prerequisites: Building Your Foundation
Before attempting the nollie backside heel flip, ensure you’ve got the following tricks down:
Nollie: The basic nose pop should be second nature. If you’re still working on this, start here.
Backside 180: Perfect your backside 180 to get comfortable with spinning your body in the right direction.
Heel Flip: Nail the heel flip on flat ground to get a feel for the board flipping under your feet.
Backside Bigspin: Familiarize yourself with the 360-degree spin to integrate it into the trick.
Master these prerequisites, and you’ll be well on your way to tackling the nollie backside heel flip!
Setting Up Your Skateboard
The right setup can make all the difference when performing advanced tricks. Let’s get your skateboard ready:
Deck Size: Opt for a medium-sized deck (7.75" to 8.25"). It’s easier to flip and control.
Grip Tape: Fresh, grippy tape will keep your feet securely in place. No one wants their foot slipping off mid-trick!
Trucks: Adjust your trucks to a comfortable tightness. Too loose, and you’ll wobble; too tight, and you might struggle with the flip.
Wheels: Go for medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) for street skating. They provide a good balance between speed and control.
Foot Placement and Body Position
Proper foot placement and body position are essential for a successful nollie backside heel flip. Here’s how to set up:
Foot Placement
Front Foot: Place your front foot on the nose of the board, with toes angled slightly inward. You should be able to pop the nose effectively.
Back Foot: Position your back foot on the edge of the tail, angled slightly outwards. This foot will be crucial for the heel flip.
Body Position
Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board. This helps with the rotation and balance.
Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and flick.
Head: Keep your head up and focused on the board. You need to spot the board during its flip.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Nollie Backside Heel Flip
Step 1: Get Rolling
Start rolling at a comfortable speed. You don’t need to be flying down the street—just fast enough to give the board some height.
Step 2: Nollie Pop
Pop the Nose: Use your front foot to pop the nose of the skateboard. This will initiate the board’s upward motion.
Prepare for the Flip: As you pop the board, prepare your back foot to flick the heel.
Step 3: Execute the Backside Heel Flip
Flick with Your Back Foot: As the board rises, use your back foot to flick the edge of the board in a heel flip motion. This will cause the board to spin and flip.
Spin and Rotate: Simultaneously, rotate your body 180 degrees in the backside direction. Keep your shoulders and hips aligned for a smooth rotation.
Step 4: Catch the Board
Spot the Board: Keep your eyes on the board as it completes its flip and spin. This helps in preparing to catch it.
Catch with Your Back Foot: Aim to catch the board with your back foot as it comes around from the flip and spin.
Step 5: Land and Roll Away
Land with Both Feet: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and make sure both feet land over the bolts for balance.
Roll Away Smoothly: Maintain your balance and roll away confidently. Congratulations, you’ve nailed the nollie backside heel flip!
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Everyone faces challenges when learning new tricks. Here are some common issues with the nollie backside heel flip and how to fix them:
Problem 1: Incomplete Flip
Solution: Make sure you’re getting a solid flick with your back foot. Practice the heel flip motion separately if needed to build confidence.
Problem 2: Not Enough Spin
Solution: Focus on your scoop technique with the back foot. Ensure you’re using enough force to get the board to spin 360 degrees.
Problem 3: Off-Balance Landing
Solution: Work on your body alignment and balance. Keep your weight centered and absorb the impact by bending your knees.
Problem 4: Board Flipping Away
Solution: Pay attention to your foot placement and flick technique. Ensure you’re not flicking too hard or too soft, and keep your feet over the board during the trick.
How Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles Can Help
Learning the nollie backside heel flip can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. That’s where Coyote Skate & Surf School comes in! We offer expert skateboard lessons and surf lessons in Los Angeles to help you master tricks like the nollie backside heel flip and more.
Why Choose Coyote Skate & Surf School?
Expert Instructors: Our experienced instructors are passionate about skateboarding and surfing. They’ve got the skills and knowledge to guide you through every step of learning new tricks.
Tailored Lessons: Whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect advanced tricks, we offer personalized lessons that cater to your skill level and goals.
Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate & Surf School, we foster a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Our goal is to help you progress while having fun.
Comprehensive Curriculum: We cover a wide range of skills and tricks, from the basics to advanced maneuvers. Our structured lessons ensure that you’re making steady progress.
Convenient Locations: With locations in Venice Beach and Santa Monica, we offer easy access to some of the best skateboarding and surfing spots in Los Angeles.
Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons
Accelerated Learning: Our expert instructors can help you learn tricks like the nollie backside heel flip faster and more efficiently. They provide valuable feedback and techniques to improve your skills.
Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. With personalized guidance, you’ll master the nollie backside heel flip in no time.
Increased Confidence: As you progress and achieve new milestones, your confidence on the board will soar. We create a supportive environment where you can take risks and push your limits.
Safety and Injury Prevention: Our instructors emphasize safety and teach proper techniques to minimize the risk of injury. We make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge to skate smartly and safely.
Practice Drills and Exercises
To improve your nollie backside heel flip, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:
Nollie Drills
Practice nollies on flat ground to get comfortable with popping the nose of the board. Focus on maintaining control and consistency.
Backside 180s
Perform backside 180s to build confidence in the rotational aspect of the trick. Pay attention to your shoulder and hip alignment during the spin.
Heel Flip Exercises
Work on your heel flip technique by practicing heel flips on flat ground. Focus on getting a clean flick and consistent flip.
Pop and Balance Work
Practice ollies and nollies to improve your pop and balance. Work on landing smoothly with both feet over the bolts.
Embrace the Journey
Learning the nollie backside heel flip is a thrilling journey that requires dedication, patience, and practice. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re skating in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, the adventure of skateboarding offers endless possibilities.
By following this guide and seeking expert instruction from Coyote Skate & Surf School, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the nollie backside heel flip and expanding your skateboarding skills.
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