Scientific Breakdown of the Treflip
Many skaters hear that they don't use the front foot in a Treflip. But what does this truly mean? Does the front foot contribute unconsciously, or does it quite literally do nothing?
This article examines the objective, science-based mechanisms behind a Treflip and explains why the front foot is not responsible for flipping the board.
Summary
Your front foot does NOT flip the board in a Treflip.
Your front foot leaves the deck before your back foot completes the scooping motion. The front foot should support your weight during the crouch, but it is not used to flick the board.
Stored energy initiates the flip.
The rear bushings produce the flipping force as they return to their neutral state after being compressed. Rotating the tail around the vertical (z-)axis maximizes this compression.
Scooping = Twisting the back foot inward
Concentrate on rotating your back foot inward around the z-axis, as this alone generates sufficient flip. Avoid swinging the foot outward toward the heel side or pushing it toward the front foot.
Simulation
Select the icon to initiate the 3D simulation.
Why Does a Treflip Flip?
Common Misconception
It is often assumed that a Treflip requires a 360 Pop Shove-it executed with the back foot while simultaneously performing a Kickflip motion with the front foot.
However, the flipping mechanism of a Treflip is fundamentally different.
Why the Front Foot Does Not Flip the Board
A closer look shows that the front foot leaves the deck before the back foot completes the scoop, making a front-foot flick physically impossible.
How the Back Foot Produces the Flip
Because it remains in contact with the board the longest, the back foot generates the flip. As the rider twists the back foot around the z-axis, the toe-side of the back foot pushes downward, compressing the rear bushings. These bushings store elastic energy and release it once the back foot leaves the board. This rebound force initiates the flipping rotation.
Does the Front Foot Truly Do Nothing?
Although it does not contribute to the flip, the front foot plays a crucial stabilizing role. It must maintain contact long enough for the back foot to apply sufficient downward force and compress the rear bushings to the required depth.
How to Practice
Prioritize the Z-axis Rotation
In this section, the focus is placed solely on the most essential element: rotation around the vertical axis—namely, the z-axis.
The rebound force of the rear bushings is the key factor in this style of Treflip. Rotating the back foot inward around the z-axis (the motion commonly referred to as the “scoop”) produces both the 360 Pop Shove-it spin and the Kickflip rotation.
You do not need to actively swing the foot toward the heel side. Because weight distribution strongly influences horizontal rotation, shifting your weight toward the toe side before popping allows a straight downward pop to drive the tail naturally toward the heel side.
