# How to Hardflip

> A hardflip combines a kickflip with a frontside pop shove-it, and the board flips up between your legs instead of out front. A step-by-step guide from Skate AI (getskateai.com).

Canonical: https://getskateai.com/tricks/hardflip
Last updated: 2026-10-19

Flat ground · Level 5 of 5 · Learn first: [Kickflip](https://getskateai.com/tricks/kickflip)

## The short answer

A hardflip combines a kickflip with a frontside pop shove-it, and the board flips up between your legs instead of out front. Set your back foot toward the heel side of the tail, like a frontside shove-it, and your front foot in kickflip position but turned more toward the nose. Push the tail forward and flick out to the side, a bit behind you, opening your legs so the board comes up between them.

## Where your feet go

- **Regular:** Back foot toward the heel side of the tail, like a frontside shove-it. Front foot in kickflip position but turned more toward the nose. Push the tail forward and flick out to the side, a bit behind you.
- **Goofy:** Back foot toward the heel side of the tail, like a frontside shove-it. Front foot in kickflip position but turned more toward the nose. Push the tail forward and flick out to the side, a bit behind you.

## Step by step

Each step is a part of the trick Skate AI scores when you film a try.

1. **Set up:** Back foot toward the heel side of the tail, like a frontside shove-it. Front foot in kickflip position, turned more toward the nose.
2. **Pop:** Pop it like a frontside shove-it, pushing the tail forward and out.
3. **Flick:** Flick your front foot sideways, a bit behind you, instead of over the nose like a normal kickflip.
4. **Open:** Open your legs so the board has room to flip up between them.
5. **Catch:** Catch it with both feet once the flip and spin line up, and land over the bolts.

## Troubleshooting

### The board flips out to the side instead of up between your legs

**Why:** You're flicking forward like a normal kickflip instead of sideways and behind you.

**Fix:** Flick more to the side and behind you, not over the nose.

### You take the board to the shin

**Why:** Your legs aren't opening enough to give the board room to flip up.

**Fix:** Open your stance through the pop so the board has a clear path between your legs.

### It spins but doesn't flip

**Why:** The flick is too weak under the frontside shove-it pop.

**Fix:** Commit a real flick off the corner, not just a push.

### It flips but doesn't spin

**Why:** You're not pushing the tail forward like a frontside shove-it, just popping straight down.

**Fix:** Push the tail out in front of you like a frontside pop shove-it, then add the flick.

## Drill

Practice the frontside shove-it pop and the sideways flick as separate motions first, then combine them on flat ground.

## FAQ

### Why is a hardflip called that?

It's known for being hard to catch clean, since the board flips up close to your legs instead of out in front.

### Should I learn a kickflip and frontside pop shove-it first?

Yes, both are prerequisites. A hardflip combines their motions into one pop.

### How long does it take to learn a hardflip?

It's an advanced trick, often taking months, partly because of the mental hurdle of flicking the board toward your own legs.

### Why does the board hit my shin every time?

Your legs aren't opening up through the pop. Focus on spreading your stance as you flick.

## What to learn next

- Learn first: [Kickflip](https://getskateai.com/tricks/kickflip)
- Learn first: [Frontside Pop Shove-It](https://getskateai.com/tricks/frontside-pop-shove-it)

App: [Skate AI: Kickflip Ollie Coach on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6814983538)

## Related

- [Intermediate tricks, easiest to hardest](https://getskateai.com/intermediate-skateboard-tricks)
- [The 8 hardest tricks, ranked](https://getskateai.com/hardest-skateboard-tricks)
- [All 21 flip tricks, easiest to hardest](https://getskateai.com/skateboard-flip-tricks)
- [Foot placement chart for every flat trick](https://getskateai.com/skateboard-foot-placement-chart)
- [All 64 trick guides](https://getskateai.com/tricks)