Skateboard Lessons: How to Nollie Bigspin Heelflip

Head skate coach Coyote Rob shows us how in today's trick tip video!

So, you want to learn the nollie bigspin heelflip? Kudos! You're aiming to master one of skateboarding's most jaw-dropping tricks that combines the magic of a nollie with a 360-degree spin, a big shove-it, and a heelflip. It sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Well, it is! But with a little patience and some expert guidance from Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles, you’ll be spinning and flipping like a pro in no time. Grab your board, lace up those skate shoes, and let’s dive into the wild world of the nollie bigspin heelflip!

What is a Nollie Bigspin Heelflip?

If skateboarding had a menu, the nollie bigspin heelflip would definitely be the “Chef’s Special”—a rare and complex dish that looks both impressive and delicious. Here’s what you need to know:

• Nollie: This is where you pop the board with the nose, instead of the tail. It’s like an ollie but with a nose dive.

• Bigspin: A 360-degree spin of the board with a shove-it motion. Think of it as the board’s way of saying, “Look at me, I’m spinning!”

• Heelflip: A flip trick where you use the edge of your front foot to make the board flip 360 degrees along its horizontal axis.

Put them all together and you get the nollie bigspin heelflip: a trick that requires the board to spin 360 degrees, flip while it’s spinning, and for you to stay on top of it all. Easy, right?

Prerequisites: Mastering the Basics

Before you start dreaming of nailing this trick, make sure you’ve got the following basics down:

1. Nollie: You should be comfortable popping the board off the ground with the nose.

2. Bigspin: Master the 360 shove-it without flipping the board.

3. Heelflip: Get the hang of flicking the board with your heel to make it flip properly.

If these tricks feel like second nature, you’re ready to tackle the nollie bigspin heelflip.

Skateboard Setup: Your Gear Matters

Before diving into the trick, ensure your skateboard is ready for action:

1. Deck Size: Go for a medium-sized deck (7.75” to 8.25”) for a balance of control and stability.

2. Grip Tape: Fresh grip tape is a must. Your shoes need to stick like glue.

3. Trucks: Adjust them to a tightness that allows for smooth spinning and stability.

4. Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are ideal. You want them to grip the pavement but not too much that you can’t slide.

Foot Placement: Where Magic Happens

Perfect foot placement is crucial for this trick. Here’s how to set up:

Front Foot

• Position: Place your front foot on the nose of the board. Your toes should hang off a bit, and your foot should be angled slightly. This helps with both the nollie pop and the heelflip.

Back Foot

• Position: Place your back foot near the tail of the board. You’ll be using this foot to perform the bigspin scoop and give the board its spin.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Nollie Bigspin Heelflip

Let’s break this trick down into manageable steps. Follow these instructions, and you might just impress yourself (and a few friends) with your newfound skills.

Step 1: Setup and Approach

Start by riding at a comfortable speed. Find a flat, smooth surface to practice on—preferably one that’s not going to make you regret ever trying this trick. Position your feet as described, and prepare to initiate the trick.

Step 2: The Nollie Pop

1. Pop the Nose: Use your front foot to pop the nose of the board. You’ll need to give it a firm but controlled push to get the board to start lifting off the ground.

Step 3: The Bigspin Scoop

1. Scoop with the Back Foot: As the board starts to rise, use your back foot to scoop the tail in a 360-degree motion. This is crucial for getting the board to spin properly.

2. Commit to the Spin: Make sure to fully commit to the 360-degree scoop. If you don’t give it enough spin, you’ll end up with a very unimpressive trick.

Step 4: Initiate the Heelflip

1. Flick with Your Front Foot: As you scoop the board, start flicking your front foot outwards. The flick should be strong enough to make the board flip 360 degrees while spinning.

2. Timing is Everything: The flick needs to be perfectly timed with the scoop. If you flick too early or too late, the board won’t flip properly.

Step 5: The Body Spin

1. Rotate 180 Degrees: While the board is spinning and flipping, rotate your body 180 degrees. This is where the “bigspin” part comes into play. Use your shoulders to guide the rotation.

2. Spot the Board: Keep your eyes on the board as it spins and flips. This will help you catch it and land properly.

Step 6: Catch and Land

1. Catch with Your Back Foot: As the board completes its flip and spin, catch it with your back foot. This helps stabilize the board and prepare for landing.

2. Land with Both Feet: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and make sure both feet are over the bolts. This will help you land smoothly and roll away like a pro.

Step 7: Roll Away Smoothly

1. Maintain Balance: Keep your weight centered over the board and make any necessary adjustments to maintain balance.

2. Celebrate: You’ve just landed a nollie bigspin heelflip! Celebrate your success with a high-five to yourself or a fist bump from a friend.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Learning a trick as complex as the nollie bigspin heelflip can come with its own set of challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:

Problem 1: Incomplete Spin

Solution: Focus on the scoop with your back foot. If the board isn’t spinning enough, try giving it a harder scoop. Practice the scoop motion separately to build confidence.

Problem 2: Board Flipping Off-Center

Solution: Ensure your flick is straight and strong. If the board flips off-center, your flick might be too weak or misaligned. Practice the heelflip on its own to improve accuracy.

Problem 3: Body Rotation Not Matching the Board

Solution: Practice the backside 180 rotation separately. Ensure you’re fully committing to the spin and using your shoulders to guide your body.

Problem 4: Landing Off-Balance

Solution: Focus on your landing technique. Keep your weight centered over the board and bend your knees to absorb the impact. Practice landing on flat ground with other tricks to build balance.

How Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles Can Help

Learning the nollie bigspin heelflip can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely achievable. Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles offers expert skateboarding lessons designed to help you master tricks like the nollie bigspin heelflip.

Why Choose Coyote Skate School?

1. Experienced Instructors: Our instructors are seasoned skaters with a passion for teaching. They’ve been where you are and know exactly what it takes to master complex tricks.

2. Tailored Lessons: We provide personalized skateboarding lessons tailored to your skill level. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced skater, we can adjust our teaching to suit your needs.

3. Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate School, we create a positive and encouraging atmosphere. We believe in celebrating every milestone, no matter how small.

4. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to cover a wide range of skills, from the basics to advanced tricks. We offer structured lessons to help you progress efficiently.

5. Convenient Locations: Located in the heart of Los Angeles, our skate school is accessible and offers diverse skateboarding experiences in places like Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons

1. Accelerated Learning: With professional guidance, you’ll learn tricks faster and more efficiently. Our instructors provide insights and tips that can make a huge difference.

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

3. Increased Confidence: As you progress and master new tricks, your confidence will grow. Our supportive environment encourages you to push your limits and try new things.

4. Safety and Injury Prevention: We prioritize safety and teach proper techniques to minimize the risk of injury. Wearing protective gear and practicing smart skateboarding habits are key components of our lessons.

Practice Drills and Exercises

To improve your nollie bigspin heelflip, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:

Nollie Practice

Work on your nollie technique by performing nollies on flat ground. Focus on popping the nose and leveling the board.

Bigspin Drills

Practice bigspins separately to build confidence in the scoop and spin. Work on the 360 shove-it motion to get a feel for the board’s rotation.

Heelflip Exercises

Perform heelflips on flat ground to improve your flick and timing. Pay attention to the flick’s strength and accuracy.

Body Rotation Practice

Practice backside 180s to get comfortable with the body rotation. Focus on aligning your shoulders and hips with the board.

Embrace the Skateboarding Journey

Mastering the nollie bigspin heelflip is an exciting and challenging journey. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and keep pushing your limits. Whether you’re skating in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, enjoy every moment of the ride and the thrill of learning new tricks.

With the guidance of Coyote Skate School and your dedication to practice, you’ll be landing nollie bigspin heelflips and adding new tricks to your repertoire. Keep skating, stay motivated, and remember that every trick you learn is a step towards becoming an even better skater. So, gear up, hit the skatepark, and get ready to impress with your newfound skills!

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to perfect your technique, Coyote Skate School is here to help you every step of the way. Book your lesson today and let’s make those skateboarding dreams a reality!