Hey there, fingerboarding fans! Have you ever seen someone do an awesome kickflip on a skateboard? Well, guess what? You can do something just as cool with a fingerboard! The finger skate kickflip is one of the most popular tricks you can learn. It’s when you use your fingers to flip the board in the air while making it spin. It looks super impressive, and once you get the hang of it, you can show off to your friends!
Table of Contents
What is a Finger Skate Kickflip?
A finger skate kickflip is a really cool trick you can do with a fingerboard, which is a tiny skateboard that you ride with your fingers! Just like a regular skateboard kickflip, where the rider makes the board flip in the air, a finger skate kickflip is when you use your fingers to make the fingerboard spin and flip.
To do a kickflip, you place your fingers on the board and push down with one finger while flicking the other finger off the side. This makes the board flip over. It’s like magic when it spins in the air! Learning to do a finger skate kickflip is super fun and shows off your skills to your friends. Plus, it’s a great way to get better at fingerboarding!
How to Execute a Finger Skate Kickflip
Hey there, future fingerboard pros! Ready to learn an awesome trick called the kickflip? It’s super fun and looks cool, too! Let’s break it down step by step so you can impress your friends with your skills.
Step 1: Get Your Fingerboard Ready
First, grab your fingerboard. Make sure it’s not too slippery and that the wheels are working well. You want it to be easy to flip!
Step 2: Place Your Fingers
Put your index finger on the tail (the back part) of the board. Your thumb goes on the middle of the board. It should feel comfy, like you’re holding a tiny skateboard!
Step 3: The Pop
Now, it’s time to make the board jump! Press down hard with your index finger on the tail. This is called “popping” the board. It’s like giving it a little bounce to get it ready for the flip!
Step 4: The Flick
As you pop the tail down, quickly slide your index finger off to the side and flick it out. This is what makes the board spin! You want to flick it sideways, like you’re trying to flick a bug off your finger.
Step 5: Catch the Board
While the board is flipping in the air, keep an eye on it. When it finishes the flip and comes back down, catch it with your index finger. It might take a few tries, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work right away!
Step 6: Roll Away
Once you catch the board, let it roll away smoothly. Try to keep your balance and look cool while doing it!
Practice Makes Perfect!
Remember, practice is key! It might take a little while to get the hang of the kickflip, but that’s totally okay. Keep trying, and soon you’ll be doing kickflips like a pro!
Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you’re learning how to do a finger skate kickflip, it’s super easy to make some mistakes. Here are a few things to watch out for so you can nail that trick!
1. Not Flicking Hard Enough
One of the biggest mistakes is not giving your board a good flick. You need to push down and flick your finger quickly when you jump. If you don’t flick hard enough, the board might not flip at all!
2. Jumping Too High
It might feel like you need to jump really high, but that can mess up your kickflip. Instead, focus on a nice, controlled jump. Just lift your fingers up a bit and let the board do the flipping!
3. Landing on the Board Wrong
Sometimes, when you land, you might put your fingers too far back or too far forward. Try to land in the middle of the board. This way, you’ll stay balanced and won’t tip over.
4. Not Practicing Enough
Learning a new trick takes time, and that’s okay! If you get frustrated, just remember to keep practicing. The more you try, the better you’ll get!
5. Forgetting to Keep Your Fingers Relaxed
If your fingers are all stiff and tense, it can make it harder to flip the board. Make sure to keep your fingers relaxed and loose. This will help you control the board better!
6. Getting Discouraged
It’s normal to mess up a few times when you’re learning. Don’t let it get you down! Everyone makes mistakes. Just laugh it off, take a break, and try again later.
Benefits of Learning the Finger Skate Kickflip
Learning to do a finger skate kickflip can be super fun and has some great benefits, especially for kids like you! Here are some cool reasons why you should give it a try:
1. Boosts Your Finger Skills
- When you practice kickflips, you’re working on your finger coordination. This means your fingers get better at moving together, making it easier to do other tricks and even help with things like writing or playing games!
2. Builds Patience and Focus
- Sometimes, it takes a while to master a kickflip. You’ll learn that practice makes perfect! This helps you become more patient and focused, which are awesome skills for school and other activities.
3. Makes You More Creative
- Once you can do kickflips, you can start coming up with your own tricks and styles. You might create new moves that no one else does! This sparks your creativity and lets you express yourself.
4. Boosts Confidence
- Every time you land a kickflip, you’ll feel proud of yourself! Learning new tricks can help build your confidence, and that feeling is great whether you’re on a fingerboard or trying something new at school.
5. Fun with Friends
- Fingerboarding is more fun when you share it with friends! You can show off your kickflip, challenge them to learn it too, or even create a mini skate park together. It’s a great way to hang out and have fun!
6. Stay Active
- Even though fingerboarding is a small-scale version of skateboarding, it still gets you moving! Your fingers get a workout, and you might even move around a bit while practicing different tricks.
Variations of the Kickflip

When you get the hang of the regular kickflip, you might want to try some cool variations to spice things up! Here are a few fun ones to check out:
1. Heelflip
- The heelflip is super similar to the kickflip, but instead of using your fingers to flip the board with your toes, you use your heel! So, when you push down with your finger, your heel kicks out to the side, making the board flip in the opposite direction. It looks awesome!
2. Flickflip
This one is a twist on the kickflip. You use a flicking motion with your finger to make the board flip fast and clean. It’s all about that little snap at the end of your finger push. It’s a great way to show off your skills!
3. Double Kickflip
If you’re feeling really brave, you can try a double kickflip! This is when the board flips two times in the air before you catch it. It takes practice, but once you get it, it’s super impressive!
4. Varial Kickflip
The varial kickflip combines a kickflip with a 180-degree spin! So, while your board flips, it also turns sideways. It looks really cool and shows off some serious talent!
5. Hardflip
The hardflip is a tricky one because it combines the kickflip and a frontside shove-it. This means your board flips while it also turns sideways. It’s a bit more advanced, but it can be really fun to try once you’re comfortable with the other tricks!
Trying out these variations can be a blast and will help you become a better finger skater. Just remember to practice, have fun, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Every pro skater started as a beginner, just like you!
Videos and Resources
If you want to learn how to do the finger skate kickflip, there are some awesome videos and resources out there that can help! Here are a few cool ones to check out:
1. YouTube Tutorials
- There are tons of fun videos on YouTube where skilled fingerboarders show you exactly how to do a kickflip! Just search for “finger skate kickflip tutorial,” and you’ll find some great ones. Watching these videos can help you see how it’s done and pick up some tips!
2. Fingerboarding Websites
- Some websites are all about fingerboarding! They often have step-by-step guides and tips for beginners. Look for sites that have sections on tricks and videos. These can be super helpful for learning new moves!
3. Social Media
- Check out Instagram and TikTok! Many fingerboarders share their tricks and skills there. You can follow them to get inspired and maybe even ask questions if you’re curious!
4. Fingerboarding Apps
- There are apps you can download on your tablet or phone that teach you fingerboarding tricks. They can be really fun and interactive, making learning feel like a game!
5. Local Skate Shops
- If you have a skate shop nearby, they might have fingerboarding events or workshops. It’s a great way to meet other fingerboard fans and learn together!
Community and Culture
The fingerboarding world is really fun and full of cool people who love to skate with their fingers! There are many fingerboarding communities where kids and even adults can share their tricks, tips, and videos. You can find these communities online on social media platforms, YouTube, and special fingerboarding forums.
In these communities, everyone is super friendly and ready to help each other out. You can learn new tricks, like the finger skate kickflip, by watching videos from other fingerboarders. Sometimes, there are even competitions where fingerboarders show off their best skills and try to win awesome prizes!
There are famous fingerboarders, too! Some have become really popular by sharing their amazing tricks online. They inspire others to practice and get better. You might even find videos of fingerboarders doing tricks in cool places, like parks or skate spots.
Being part of the fingerboarding culture is not just about learning tricks; it’s also about having fun, making friends, and being creative.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Finger Skate Kickflip
Advantages |
Super Fun Learning how to do a finger skate kickflip is a blast! It feels awesome when you finally land it, and you can impress your friends with your cool moves. |
Improves Coordination Doing a kickflip helps you get better at using your fingers. It’s like practicing your hand-eye coordination, which is super useful for sports and games. |
Creative Expression You can add your own style to the kickflip! Once you master it, you can try different tricks and make it your own, just like a skateboarder. |
Easy to Practice You don’t need a lot of space to practice finger skate kickflips. You can do it anywhere—at home, in class (when the teacher isn’t looking!), or even outside. |
Disadvantages |
Can Be Frustrating Sometimes, it can be hard to learn how to kickflip. You might fall a lot before you get it right, which can be a bit annoying. |
Injury Risk If you’re not careful, you might accidentally hit your fingers or drop the fingerboard on your foot. Ouch! |
Requires Practice To get really good at it, you need to practice regularly. If you don’t put in the time, it can be tough to improve. |
Equipment Cost If you want a good fingerboard, it might cost some money. You need to make sure you have a decent one to learn effectively. |
FAQs About Finger Skate Kickflips
What is a finger skate kickflip?
A finger skate kickflip is a cool trick where you flip your finger skateboard (or fingerboard) in the air while doing a kickflip. It’s like doing a flip on a real skateboard but with your fingers!
How do I do a finger skate kickflip?
First, place your fingerboard on a flat surface. Use your index finger to push down on the tail (the back part) and then quickly slide your finger to the side. This will make the board flip in the air. Practice makes perfect!
Is it hard to learn?
It can be tricky at first, but don’t worry! Just keep practicing, and you’ll get the hang of it. Everyone learns at their own pace.
What if my kickflip doesn’t work?
If your kickflip doesn’t flip right, check your finger placement. Make sure you’re pushing down on the tail and sliding your finger quickly. Keep trying, and you’ll improve!
Can I use any fingerboard for this trick?
Yes! You can use any fingerboard, but some are easier to flip than others. Just make sure it’s not too big or heavy.
How long does it take to master the kickflip?
It really depends on how much you practice! Some people might get it in a few days, while others might take a few weeks. Just have fun and keep practicing!
Can I show my friends?
Absolutely! Showing your friends is a great way to have fun and maybe even teach them how to do a kickflip too!
Are there other tricks I can learn?
Yes! There are lots of fun tricks you can try, like ollies and heelflips. Once you master the kickflip, you can move on to other cool moves!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the finger skate kickflip is a super fun trick that every fingerboarder should try! By learning this move, you can show off your skills and impress your friends. Remember, it might take some practice, but don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Just keep trying, and soon you’ll be flipping your fingerboard like a pro!
So, grab your fingerboard and start practicing your kickflip today! And if you have any cool stories or tips about your own finger skating adventures, feel free to share them in the comments below! Happy skating!
Bonus Points for Finger Skate Kickflip
Did you know that fingerboarding started in the 1970s? People used to make little skateboards to play with their fingers!
1. Fingerboard Sizes Matter
- Make sure you use a fingerboard that feels comfy for your hands. If it’s too big or too small, it might be tricky to do tricks like the kickflip.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
- Just like learning to ride a bike, practicing the kickflip will help you get better. Try to practice a little bit every day!
3. Use a Smooth Surface
- When practicing, find a flat and smooth surface to skate on. A table or a clean floor works great!
4. Watch and Learn
- Check out videos of other kids doing finger skate kickflips. You can learn a lot by watching how they do it!
5. Get Creative
- Once you’ve got the kickflip down, try adding your own style! You can mix tricks or add some cool moves to make it unique.
6. Join a Fingerboarding Club
- If you love fingerboarding, look for clubs or groups at your school or in your neighborhood. It’s a fun way to meet new friends and learn together!
7. Have Fun
- Remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Fingerboarding is all about enjoying yourself, so don’t get too stressed if you don’t land the trick right away.