Flip tricks are hard. But before giving up on skateboarding, try Ghost Flip. By practicing step by step and understanding a bit of the science, anyone can land this trick with ease.
Summary
Get Used to Flipping the Board
Start by practicing flipping the board upside down with minimal force. Once you get comfortable, repeat the motion with the board in its normal position and adjust your foot placement. If your foot is too deep, it lifts the board’s center of gravity; if too shallow, the board won’t rotate properly. Find the optimal position to execute the motion accurately.
Adjust Where You Step Off
Stepping too far from the board makes it harder to return and flip properly, so make sure to jump off close to the board. When jumping back onto the board, use not just your foot but also your body's movement to create a natural flip. This helps maintain control and consistency.
Gradually Increase Speed
Start from a stationary position and gradually attempt the trick while moving. Focus on landing steadily without fear of failure. Using frame-by-frame video analysis can help you observe your movements in detail and improve precision.
Introducing Frame By Frame Video Player
If you want to analyze your movement effectively, try Frame By Frame Video Player. Easy-to-use interface, Youtube video loading function, adjustable frame interval, everything you need is here.
Simulation
Hit the icon in the middle to start a 3D animation.
Step 1: Flip the Board Up Side Down
Start by getting used to the feeling of flipping the board. Place the board upside down and position your back toe under it so that it hooks onto the concave. Lift your back foot, and the board flips. With this practice, you will see how little force you need to flip the board.
Step 2: Flip the Board As Is
Now, place the board with the grip tape facing up and repeat the same motion.
If you place your toe too deeply, the force you apply will lift the board's center of gravity instead of flipping it.
If you place it too shallowly, you can't flip the board effectively, either. Try adjusting its position little by little and find the optimal placement.
Step 3: Jump Onto the Board
Next, get used to the motion of jumping onto the board. Start in a stationary position and gradually increase the speed.
It is important to understand how far from the board you step off. If you step off too far, it will be harder to jump back on the board and flip it. So, step off right next to the board.
Step 4: Flip the Board and Land on it While Stationary
Now, practice landing. Place the board upside down again, jump and lift your back foot, and get back on the board. Once you gain confidence, try doing the same with the board placed normally while stationary or moving very slowly.
A crucial point to remember is that, unlike in Steps 1 and 2, you're not just using your foot to flip the board. Instead, as you jump on, your body weight moves diagonally upward, and your back foot follows, generating a force to flip the board naturally.
This is another reason you should not step off too far: by doing so, your back foot will be moving more horizontally, hindering a good flip. Adjust where you land to stay in control.
Once the board completes a full rotation, jump back on it. If you feel uneasy or something seems off, quickly step off and land safely on the ground. At first, it's easier to get off the board and take the time to get ready before jumping on.
Frame-by-frame Video Player
For the detailed analysis of movements like the Ghost Flip, I recommend the frame-by-frame video player. It runs in your web browser, so there's no need to install an app. Its intuitive controls make frame-by-frame viewing easy, and the adjustable frame intervals and YouTube video loading function make it versatile. Give it a try!
Step 5: Flip the Board and Land While Moving
Finally, put everything together and gradually increase the speed. Keep in mind that you may land primo, so be cautious. If you'd like to know how to fall safely, check out the previous video in the description.
Once you've mastered the basic movement, try variations―it's a great way to keep your skateboarding exciting and push your skills further!
