# How to Switch Kickflip

> A switch kickflip is a kickflip in your opposite stance. A step-by-step guide from Skate AI (getskateai.com).

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

Flat ground · Level 4 of 5 · Learn first: [Switch Ollie](https://getskateai.com/tricks/switch-ollie)

## The short answer

A switch kickflip is a kickflip in your opposite stance. It is the same placement as a kickflip with your feet swapped: your usual front foot pops the tail, and your usual back foot flicks from about 3 cm behind the front bolts at 45 degrees, heel hanging off the heel side. Flick off the heel-side corner of the nose, out toward the horizon.

## Three things to remember

1. Finish the pop before you flick
2. Kick out toward the horizon, not down
3. Land switch, don't turn back

## Setup

Same placement as a kickflip with your feet swapped: your usual front foot pops the tail, and your usual back foot flicks from about 3 cm behind the front bolts at 45°, heel hanging off the heel side. Flick off the heel-side corner of the nose, out toward the horizon.

## Step by step

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

1. **Set up:** Same placement as a kickflip with your feet swapped. Your usual front foot pops the tail. Your usual back foot is about 3 cm behind the front bolts at 45 degrees, heel hanging off the heel side.
2. **Pop:** Finish the pop before you flick.
3. **Flick:** Flick off the heel-side corner of the nose, out toward the horizon, not down.
4. **Catch:** Catch it over the bolts with both feet.
5. **Land:** Land switch and keep rolling. Do not turn back.

## Troubleshooting

### It does not flip

**Why:** You flick during the pop instead of after it.

**Fix:** Finish the pop first, then flick.

### The board shoots out

**Why:** You are flicking down instead of out.

**Fix:** Flick out toward the horizon, off the heel-side corner.

### You pop weakly

**Why:** Popping with your usual front foot feels strange.

**Fix:** Practice switch ollies until the pop feels normal.

### You turn back to regular on landing

**Why:** You are trying to land in your normal stance.

**Fix:** Land switch, and keep rolling switch.

## Drill

Roll switch for a session, 10 switch ollies, then 10 switch kickflips.

## FAQ

### What is a switch kickflip?

A kickflip in your opposite stance. Your usual front foot pops the tail and your usual back foot flicks.

### What should I learn before a switch kickflip?

The switch ollie and the kickflip.

### Is a switch kickflip harder than a kickflip?

Yes. It is level 4 of 5 in our guides because both the pop and the flick are in your weaker stance.

### What is the difference between a switch kickflip and a fakie kickflip?

A switch kickflip keeps you rolling forward with your feet in the opposite stance. A fakie kickflip keeps your normal stance and rolls backwards.

## What to learn next

- Learn first: [Switch Ollie](https://getskateai.com/tricks/switch-ollie)
- Learn first: [Kickflip](https://getskateai.com/tricks/kickflip)

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)
- [All 21 flip tricks, easiest to hardest](https://getskateai.com/skateboard-flip-tricks)
- [All 64 trick guides](https://getskateai.com/tricks)