How to Kickturn on a Skateboard (2026)
The kickturn is one of the first tricks to learn. It helps you turn sharply, turn around and ride ramps. Here's how.
What Is a Kickturn?
A kickturn is when you press the tail to lift the nose and pivot on the back wheels. It lets you make sharp turns, turn around in tight spaces and change direction on ramps.
Step by Step
- Stand still first, back foot on the tail, front foot over the front bolts.
- Press the tail gently to lift the front wheels.
- Turn your shoulders and head in the direction you want to go.
- Pivot the board with your hips and feet.
- Set the nose down and roll away.
Kickturn Progression
| Step | Goal |
|---|---|
| Stationary 45° | Find the tail pressure |
| Tic-tacs | Small side-to-side kickturns |
| Rolling 90° | Sharp turns |
| Rolling 180° | Turn around |
| Ramp kickturns | Turn on transition |
Practice Drills
- Stationary swings: on grass or carpet, press the tail and swing your shoulders to pivot the board. Aim for 90 degrees, then 180.
- Tic-tacs: small kickturns side to side. They teach tail pressure and let you move without pushing.
- Bank kickturns: ride up a gentle bank at an angle, slow down near the top and kickturn back down. Tighten the turn as you get comfortable.
- Goal: once 180s feel easy, try a stationary 360 to build real control.
Kickturns for Speed and Control
Kickturns aren't just for turning around. Skaters use them to change direction instantly in tight spaces, line up for obstacles and keep moving without pushing; a series of tic-tacs builds a little speed on flat ground. On ramps, a well-timed kickturn at the top keeps your flow going so you can pump back down.
Frontside vs Backside
Frontside: you turn toward the side your toes point, facing the turn. Backside: you turn toward your heel side, with your back to the turn. Practice both.
Many skaters find backside kickturns easier at first. On frontside kickturns, stay on your heels as you come around; pitching forward onto your toes after the turn is a common way to fall.
Common Mistakes
- Pressing the tail too hard and slipping off the back.
- Not turning shoulders first.
- Stiff legs; keep knees bent.
On Ramps
Ride up a small ramp, kickturn near the top and ride back down. Start low, and let the board slow almost to a stop before you turn: lift only the front wheels a little, lead with your head and shoulders, and keep your weight centered so the back wheels don't slip out. Start the turn just before you stop rolling. See how to drop in and skateboard ramps.
Next: how to manual, how to turn and how to pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kickturn?
Pressing the tail to lift the front wheels and pivoting the board on the back wheels.
Is a kickturn hard to learn?
It's one of the easier tricks and a great early step.
What's the difference between frontside and backside kickturns?
Frontside turns toward your toes' side; backside turns toward your heels' side, so your back faces the turn.
Do kickturns help on ramps?
Yes. Kickturns are how you turn around at the top of a ramp.
Should I learn tic-tacs first?
Tic-tacs are small kickturns side to side, so they're great practice.