How to bz flip

What is a BZ Flip?

The bz flip, often referred to as a 'buzz flip' or '360 flip' in some contexts (though technically a 360 flip is a different, more common trick), is an exhilarating skateboarding maneuver. It involves a complex combination of movements: the rider pops the tail of the skateboard off the ground, simultaneously flicking their front foot in a specific way to make the board rotate 360 degrees horizontally beneath them. As the board completes its rotation, the rider guides their feet to land back on the deck, ideally riding away smoothly.

How to Perform a BZ Flip

Learning the bz flip is a challenging but rewarding process for any skateboarder looking to expand their technical repertoire. It demands precision, timing, and a good understanding of board control. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Foot Placement:

Proper foot positioning is paramount. Your back foot should be placed on the tail of the board, close to the pocket (the curved edge), similar to how you would set up for an ollie. Your front foot should be positioned slightly behind the front bolts, angled slightly upwards. Some skaters prefer to angle their front foot more aggressively, almost perpendicular to the board, to help initiate the horizontal spin.

2. The Pop and Flick:

This is the most critical part. As you bend your knees to prepare for the jump, you need to execute a sharp, downward pop with your back foot on the tail of the board. Simultaneously, as the board begins to rise, you need to flick your front foot off the nose or side of the board. The flick is not a straight kick but rather a scooping motion that imparts the 360-degree horizontal rotation. The angle and force of this flick directly influence the speed and success of the flip.

3. Mid-Air Rotation and Catching the Board:

As the board spins beneath you, keep your eyes focused on it. You’ll need to bring your knees up towards your chest to give the board enough space to complete its rotation. The goal is to time your body's movement so that you can 'catch' the board with your feet as it comes around. Many beginners struggle with this phase, either jumping too early, too late, or not bringing their knees up high enough. The board will be spinning horizontally, so you'll be looking to land your feet on the bolts or slightly wider.

4. Landing:

Once you've caught the board, absorb the impact by bending your knees. This is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing injury. Aim to land with your feet centered over the trucks. The smoother the catch and the more controlled the landing, the more likely you are to ride away cleanly. If you've landed successfully, you've just landed a bz flip!

Common Mistakes and Tips for Improvement:

The bz flip is notorious for being difficult to master. Here are some common pitfalls and how to overcome them:

• Not enough rotation: This usually stems from an insufficient flick or an improper angle of the front foot. Experiment with different flicking motions – try scooping more aggressively or adjusting the angle of your front foot.
• Board flies away: This can happen if you flick too hard or in the wrong direction, or if your body weight isn't centered. Focus on keeping your shoulders square with the board and making the flick a controlled scooping motion rather than a wild kick.
• Under-rotation: If the board doesn't complete the full 360 degrees, you might be flicking too late or not popping high enough. Ensure you get a solid pop and a timely flick.
• Difficulty catching the board: This is often due to not bringing your knees up high enough or misjudging the timing of the rotation. Practice bringing your knees up quickly after the pop.
• Fear of landing: Start by practicing on softer surfaces like grass or carpet. This allows you to get a feel for the motion without the fear of a hard fall. As you get more comfortable, transition to concrete.

Patience and persistent practice are key. Break down the trick into smaller parts: practice the pop, practice the flick motion independently, and then try to combine them. Watching videos of professional skateboarders performing the bz flip can also provide valuable visual cues.

Variations and Related Tricks:

While the bz flip itself is a specific trick, its principles are related to other advanced flip tricks. Understanding the 360-degree rotation and the flicking mechanics can help in learning tricks like the 360 flip (tre flip), which combines a 360 shove-it with a kickflip, or other variations that involve horizontal board rotation.