Learn How To 360 Flip in 5 Simple Steps

The Perfect 360 Flip in 5 Steps

1. Foot Positioning
2. Preload and Pop
3. Flick and Spin
4. Catch
5. Land

Step-By-Step Guide to a 360 Flip

So you're ready to add the 360 flip to your growing arsenal of tricks? Well, you're definitely in the right place. It's a challenging trick, sure, but it's a staple that every skateboarder should have in their bag! Whether you're pulling it out in a game of S.K.A.T.E. or throwing one in a line—whatever!—we're here to break it down in 5 easy steps with expert advice from Dominick Walker in the video above (and some of my own personal insights below). I'll tell you what, though... it's one of the best feeling tricks out there. Let's get into it:

Step 1: Foot Positioning

Like pretty much every trick in skateboarding, the first step to learning 360 flips is to get your foot positioning figured out. You want to place your back foot on the tail of the board with your toes hanging slightly off the edge. This will help with the scoop, which can be super helpful when it comes time to pop. Your front foot should be resting a bit under your front bolts at a slight angle (see the photo below for reference). I can't speak for everyone, but find an angle that feels comfortable for you and adjust as needed. But you want some kind of angle nonetheless. If you want, try rolling around in that position for a bit just to see how it feels while you're moving. 

Step 2: Preload Your Weight and Pop

Once you have your foot positioning right, it's time to pop! But before you pop your board, you want to preload most of your weight towards your back foot (emphasis on: most of). You don't want to put so much that your tail starts to drag, but just enough will give you all the power you need to pop the board and make it spin. Like ollies, kickflips, pop-shuvs or really any trick that pops, you'll use your back foot to snap down your tail with power. 

Step 3: Flick and Spin

Next comes the meat and potatoes of the trick—flicking and spinning. As the board pops, you'll want to use your front foot to flick the board out in front of you and away from your body. Sometimes making a little mark in the area you want to flick can be helpful, just as a way to better your aim and find that sweet spot. If all goes accordingly, your board should pop, flip and spin in one fluid 360 degree motion. Honestly, sometimes it's worth just getting the flick and spin down before trying to commit. Don't be scared to do that a few times as you get the hang of it. Patience is your friend here! But with that said, committing is obviously the most important piece of the puzzle. 

Step 4: Catch

Now, all 360 flips are different. Some people catch them with ease. Some really rely on the back foot scoop. And others simply let them sort of float under their feet like magic. Whatever the case, just do what works best for you. But properly catching your 360 flips is a skill in its own right, and as mentioned, some do it much better than others. While it isn't absolutely necessary, it is arguably the most stylish way to do the trick. As you pop, flick, jump and let the board spin, give yourself an extra second to allow the board to fully rotate and suck back up to your front foot. A second later—if everything works out—your back foot should finish the catch as you roll away smoothly. This is one of those steps that is much easier to see to understand. And trust me...it takes practice. But the effort will always be worth it in the end. 

Step 5: Land

Nothing left to do but stomp down on your board and roll away in style, right!? Committing to 360 flips can be challenging because it is such a complex trick when you're first starting out. Until you find a technique and rhythm that works for you, well, you might find yourself kicking them out and landing with your front foot (wondering why your back foot just won't land back on the board). The simple answer is—it's fully mental! Try your best to stay centered on the board as you unleash the trick. Not too far towards your toes, and not too far towards your heels. Try as best as you can to stay centered and above the board. It might feel awkward at first, but all it takes is that first stick for that little light bulb to go off and make you realize, "Ahhh...there it is!" Soon enough, you'll be doing them with your eyes closed, landing them with more style and ease than you could've ever imagined. Go get after it!  

Practice, Practice, Practice

I will say this—practice is absolutely essential when it comes to learning, conquering and even refining your 360 flips. You can start by practicing them without moving and gradually work your way up to doing it while rolling, but beware—different techniques are used for both of these. That said, if learning them stationary feels more comfortable at first, by all means do it! Just remember to focus on each step of the trick separately, and then when the time is right, put them all together and start taking them to the streets, your local park and beyond.

Tips for Executing a 360 Flip

• It's best to practice (well, conquer) kickflips and shuvs before stepping to the 360 flip. You'll be glad you did! 
• As mentioned, focus on finding the right rhythm when it comes to popping and flicking at first. Everything else will follow. 
• Stay centered! Keep your shoulders and hips square with the board to help stay balanced and keep your weight distributed properly.
• Keep your eyes on the board at all times and when the time comes—commit, commit, commit!
• If you can, find a friend who's also learning 360 flips and try them together, you'll both feed off of each other! Or, hey, see if anyone who has them mastered is willing to give you some advice. 
• Don't be discouraged and don't be afraid to put in the work. Trust me—you WILL get them down! Just have fun with it. 

More To Learn. Watch These How To Skate Videos:

1. Kickflip
2. Hardflip
3. Heel Flip
4. FS 180 Kickflip
5. BS 180 Kickflip

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 360 flip difficult to learn? 

Define difficult. Just kidding. Yes, of course it is. Every new trick should be! That's why they're so rewarding to land. The point is, difficult doesn't mean impossible. While the 360 flip is certainly considered somewhat of an advanced trick (just wait until you start trying them switch!), it's also one of the most rewarding. Just keep at it. You'll have them down in no time. 

Should I start learning the 360 flip while stationary or while moving? 

It's fully up to you, but I'd suggest trying them while moving (even if that means you're barely rolling). But again, if practicing stationary feels more comfortable—even just to grasp the mechanics at your own pace—go for it! But once you start feeling more comfortable with the motion of popping, flicking and spinning, you'll want to start doing them while moving. Before you know it, you'll be taking them to gaps, stairs, hips, banks, drops and beyond! 

What's the difference between a 360 flip and a Tre flip? 

There is no difference! Just a play on words. But there is plenty of playful debate around what to call the trick! Watch legends Jason Lee and Chris Pastras give their sides of the debate on The Nine Club. 

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