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Learn how to do Kickturns on Flatground Skateboarding (Frontside and Backside)

ByMeg

Channel: Trick Dojo
Published: 2026-02-09T01:52:14Z
Playlist: TD Lv0 — Foundations

Notes:
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Kickturns are controlled rotations around the tail, letting you change direction sharply or set up tricks. This video shows both frontside and backside versions—the tools you need to pivot and navigate every situation on a board.

Who This Video Helps

Skaters who’ve mastered basic turning and tic-tacs and want more control, people learning to set up tricks from a stopped position, or anyone wanting to look like they own their board in every moment.

What To Watch Closely

  • Kickturn weight distribution. The front truck unweights while all your weight goes to the tail. This lifts the nose and lets the board spin freely around the tail.
  • The wind-up and reset. Before the turn, notice the rider leans forward slightly. This centers the weight to allow a sharp tail pivot. After the turn, weight resets to riding position.
  • Backside vs. Frontside mechanics. Frontside leans toward the toes; backside leans toward the heels. The tail stays down in both, but the body position changes.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving too much weight on the front foot. The nose comes down before you’re done turning, killing the momentum of the spin.
  • Spinning only with your shoulders. The turn comes from your hips and feet, not a torso twist.

Try This Drill

Start rolling slowly. Execute a single backside kickturn and coast forward. Stop. Repeat. Once you land 5 in a row smoothly, try frontside versions. Then string them together: backside, frontside, backside. This builds muscle memory and confidence.

Dojo Note

Kickturns are your first lesson in separating the board’s movement from your body’s position. You’re learning to trust the tail, to use leverage instead of power. This separation is what allows tricks to happen later—the board does its motion while your body stays poised to land it.

What To Learn Next

With solid turning and kickturn skills, you’re ready for Lv1 flat basics. The ollie comes next—the most important trick in skateboarding and the foundation for nearly everything that follows.

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