Mastering Triple Flip Skate Tricks: A How-To Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to nail that mind-blowing triple flip on your skateboard? Well, you've come to the right place. This guide is all about breaking down the triple flip, making it less intimidating and more achievable. We're going to cover everything from the fundamentals you need to have down, to the step-by-step process, and even some common mistakes to watch out for. So, grab your board, find a smooth spot, and let’s get started on this epic journey to landing your very own triple flip!

Prerequisites: Skills to Have Before Attempting a Triple Flip

Before you even think about launching into a triple flip, there are a few essential skateboarding skills you absolutely need to have dialed in. Think of these as your foundation – without a solid base, the whole thing will crumble. First up is the kickflip. You should be able to land kickflips consistently, with good height and control. This isn’t just about getting the board to rotate; it’s about catching it cleanly and landing with both feet firmly planted. Practice your kickflips over and over until they feel like second nature. Next, master the heelflip. Similar to the kickflip, but with the board rotating in the opposite direction, the heelflip is crucial for understanding board control and foot placement. Again, consistency is key. You need to be able to pop high, flick the board, and catch it smoothly. Being comfortable with both kickflips and heelflips will give you a solid understanding of how your board behaves in the air. The varial flip, which combines a pop shove-it with a kickflip, will enhance your coordination and board feel. This trick requires a bit more finesse, as you’re combining two movements into one. Once you've mastered these flips, move on to double flips, which require a lot of height and fast rotation. Double flips are the closest you'll get to a triple flip without actually doing one, they will help you with timing and commitment. If you're not comfortable with double flips, you might want to spend some more time on them before moving on to triple flips. The better you are at them, the easier it'll be to add that extra rotation. Lastly, you have to be able to land consistently and comfortably. Without consistent height, you're going to find it very difficult to complete all three rotations of the triple flip. Make sure you have enough airtime to get your rotations in. Also, make sure you are comfortable with landing hard. This is a tough trick, so you'll probably fall a few times. Being comfortable with falling will help you avoid injuries. — Willie McLaughlin: The Untold Story

Step-by-Step Guide to Landing a Triple Flip

Alright, now that you’ve got the fundamentals down, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of actually landing a triple flip. This is where things get real! Start with your foot placement. Your front foot should be positioned slightly behind the bolts, angled towards the nose of the board. Your back foot should be in the pocket of the tail, ready to generate some serious pop. Finding the sweet spot for your feet is crucial, so experiment a bit to see what feels most comfortable and gives you the best control. Now, let's talk about the pop. A good triple flip starts with a solid, powerful pop. Snap the tail hard and jump high, pulling your knees up towards your chest. The higher you pop, the more time you have to complete those rotations. As you pop, initiate the flick. Use your front foot to flick the board outwards, just like you would for a kickflip, but with more force. The key here is to flick early and aggressively to get the board spinning as fast as possible. Keep your shoulders aligned with the board. Avoid rotating your upper body independently, as this can throw off your balance and make it harder to catch the board. Instead, think of your body as moving as one unit. The rotation is the trickiest part. As the board spins, keep your eyes focused on it. This will help you track its movement and anticipate when to catch it. Tuck your knees in tight to speed up the rotation. The tighter you tuck, the faster the board will spin. Once you see the board completing its rotations, catch it with both feet. Try to land over the bolts to avoid snapping your board. Bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away smoothly. Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land it right away. Keep practicing, and eventually, you’ll get it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best preparation, there are some common pitfalls that can trip you up when learning to triple flip. Knowing these mistakes in advance can save you a lot of frustration and help you progress faster. One of the biggest errors is not committing. The triple flip is a scary trick, and it’s easy to bail out halfway through. However, hesitation is your enemy. You need to fully commit to the trick, both mentally and physically. Trust your abilities, and go for it! Many skaters don't pop high enough. Without enough airtime, you simply won’t have enough time to complete all three rotations. Focus on getting a really good pop, and remember to pull your knees up towards your chest. Another mistake is under-rotating or over-rotating. Under-rotating means you’re not getting the full three rotations, while over-rotating can throw off your landing. Pay attention to your flick and try to control the speed of the rotation. A big problem is failing to keep your shoulders aligned. If your shoulders are rotating independently of the board, you’ll likely lose your balance. Keep your upper body aligned with the board, and think of your body as moving as one unit. Also, not spotting the landing can be a real issue. Keep your eyes on the board as it rotates, and anticipate when to catch it. This will help you land with more control and consistency. Finally, make sure to practice, a lot. Trying the trick once or twice isn’t enough. Keep practicing, and eventually, you’ll get it.

Tips and Tricks for Faster Progression

Want to speed up your progress and land that triple flip even faster? Here are some pro tips and tricks that can give you an edge. First off, use visual aids. Watching videos of other skaters landing triple flips can be incredibly helpful. Pay attention to their foot placement, pop, and flick. Visualize yourself doing the trick, and imagine what it feels like to land it. Break down the trick into smaller parts. Instead of trying to do the whole trick at once, focus on one element at a time. For example, spend some time just working on your pop, or just working on your flick. Once you’ve mastered each element, you can start putting them together. Practice on a trampoline. Trampolines can be a great way to practice the rotation of the triple flip without the risk of falling on concrete. Use a balance board or an old skateboard deck to simulate the feel of being on your board. Get feedback from other skaters. Ask your friends to watch you skate and give you feedback. They may notice things that you’re not aware of, and they can offer valuable tips and suggestions. Film yourself skating. Watching videos of yourself can help you identify areas where you can improve. Pay attention to your foot placement, pop, flick, and overall body position. Be patient and persistent. Learning a triple flip takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land it right away. Just keep practicing, and eventually, you’ll get it. Celebrate small victories. Even if you’re not landing the full trick, acknowledge your progress. Did you get a higher pop today? Did you get the board to spin a little faster? Recognizing these small achievements can help you stay motivated and keep pushing forward. Remember that safety is paramount. Always wear a helmet and pads when practicing the triple flip. Find a smooth, flat surface to skate on, away from traffic and other hazards. Listen to your body, and don’t push yourself too hard. If you’re feeling tired or sore, take a break. — Guinness TV Show: A Look At The Record-Breaking Series

So there you have it, guys! Everything you need to know to start working on your triple flips. Remember, it’s all about practice, patience, and persistence. Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be landing them with style. Now get out there and shred! — Hilary Beane: Everything You Need To Know