Ollie vs. Kickflip — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
Ollie involves jumping with the skateboard sticking to the feet via foot motion; kickflip adds a flip of the board around its axis, requiring precise foot flick.
Difference Between Ollie and Kickflip
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An ollie is a fundamental skateboarding trick where the rider and board leap into the air without the board touching the hands. It's achieved by snapping the tail of the skateboard on the ground while jumping. In contrast, a kickflip involves an ollie with an additional kick that flips the skateboard 360 degrees along the axis that extends from nose to tail. This trick requires precise timing and foot placement.
The ollie is the first trick most skateboarders learn as it forms the basis for many other advanced tricks. It mainly focuses on vertical movement. Conversely, the kickflip combines vertical and rotational dynamics, making it more complex and visually impressive due to the board's spin.
In terms of skill level, the ollie is considered easier and more essential for beginners mastering the basics of skateboarding. On the other hand, the kickflip is seen as an advancement upon the ollie, adding complexity and requiring more practice to perfect due to its additional rotational movement.
When performing an ollie, skateboarders use their back foot to pop the tail of the board and their front foot to guide the board in the air. In contrast, a kickflip requires the front foot to not only guide the board vertically but also kick it outwards to initiate the flip.
Practically, the ollie is used in various skateboarding maneuvers and is essential for overcoming obstacles. However, the kickflip is often used in more expressive, competitive, and freestyle skateboarding contexts because of its aesthetic appeal and technical challenge.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Description
A jump with the skateboard sticking to feet
A jump with a 360-degree flip of the board
Skill Level
Beginner
Intermediate
Movement Type
Vertical
Vertical and rotational
Main Technique
Popping the tail and jumping
Popping the tail, jumping, and foot flick
Common Usage
Basic movement, overcoming obstacles
Freestyle, competitive contexts
Compare with Definitions
Ollie
A basic skateboarding trick essential for mastering more complex tricks.
Mastering an ollie is crucial before attempting aerial tricks.
Kickflip
An advanced version of an ollie that requires additional foot movement.
After the ollie, focus on the kickflip to add flair to your repertoire.
Ollie
A skateboard maneuver where the rider leaps into the air with the skateboard adhering to their feet, achieved without hand contact.
He perfected his ollie, effortlessly clearing the curb.
Kickflip
A skateboarding trick where the board flips 360 degrees along its axis while the rider is airborne.
His kickflip impressed everyone at the park.
Ollie
Often used to navigate over obstacles.
He used an ollie to jump over the hydrant on the street.
Kickflip
Frequently seen in skateboarding competitions for its technical difficulty.
The kickflip earned him high marks in the competition.
Ollie
Requires coordination between the legs and feet to execute.
Coordination and timing are essential for a successful ollie.
Kickflip
Involves a precise flick of the front foot to initiate the board’s flip.
The kickflip's success hinges on how well you flick your front foot.
Ollie
Performed by snapping the skateboard’s tail while jumping.
The key to a good ollie is a solid snap of the tail.
Kickflip
Combines both aesthetic appeal and technical skills.
A clean kickflip is both beautiful and technically challenging.
Ollie
Ollie is a male given name and a nickname, often as a shortened form of Oliver, Olive, Olympia or Olivia. Variants include Olie, Oli, Oly and Olly.
Kickflip
The kickflip is a maneuver in skateboarding in which the rider flips their skateboard 360° along the axis that extends from the nose to the tail of the deck. When the rider is regular footed the board spins counter-clockwise if viewed from the back.
Ollie
A skateboarding maneuver in which the rider lifts the board into the air by pressing down on it with the rear foot, raising the front foot, and then raising the rear foot.
Kickflip
(skateboarding) An ollie where the board is rotated 360 degrees along its axis.
Ollie
A similar maneuver in snowboarding in which the rider lifts the front foot and then the rear foot to spring into the air without going off a ramp.
Kickflip
To perform a kickflip.
Ollie
An aerial maneuver in which one catches air by leaping off the ground with the skateboard and into the air.
Ollie
(intransitive) To perform an ollie.
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of mastering an ollie in skateboarding?
Mastering an ollie is crucial as it's a foundational trick that helps skateboarders learn to control their board in the air, essential for progressing to more complex maneuvers.
How does the foot placement differ between an ollie and a kickflip?
In an ollie, the back foot pops the tail while the front foot helps lift and level the board. In a kickflip, the front foot also needs to flick outwards after the pop to initiate the flip.
Why is the kickflip considered an impressive trick in skateboarding?
The kickflip is considered impressive due to its complexity and the skill required to execute the board's flip accurately while airborne.
How long does it typically take to learn a kickflip after mastering an ollie?
The time it takes can vary widely, but many skateboarders may spend several weeks to months practicing the ollie before they can consistently land a kickflip.
Are kickflips used in professional skateboarding competitions?
Yes, kickflips are commonly performed in skateboarding competitions due to their technical difficulty and aesthetic appeal.
How do environmental factors like surface affect the performance of an ollie and a kickflip?
Smooth, flat surfaces are ideal for practicing both tricks as uneven or rough terrain can disrupt the board's pop and flip.
What safety gear is recommended when practicing these tricks?
It is recommended to wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to minimize the risk of injury when practicing ollies and kickflips.
Can ollies and kickflips be combined with other tricks?
Yes, both tricks are often combined with other maneuvers in sequences called lines, adding to the complexity and style of skateboarding routines.
What are some common mistakes when learning a kickflip?
Frequent errors include not flicking the front foot correctly, not timing the flick with the jump, or not committing fully to the rotation of the board.
Can ollies and kickflips be performed on any skateboard?
Yes, these tricks can be performed on virtually any skateboard, though certain deck shapes and sizes may facilitate easier execution.
How do skateboarding styles influence the execution of an ollie vs. a kickflip?
Different skateboarding styles, like street or vert, might influence the height of the ollie or the speed and precision of the kickflip.
What are some common mistakes when learning an ollie?
Common mistakes include not popping the tail hard enough, not jumping high enough, or not properly leveling the board with the front foot.
What is the impact of board design on the ease of performing ollies and kickflips?
Skateboard designs with lighter decks and well-designed concaves can enhance the ease and stability of performing both ollies and kickflips.
How do age and physical fitness affect the ability to perform an ollie and a kickflip?
While skateboarding is accessible to many, better physical fitness and youth generally enhance agility and balance, crucial for mastering these tricks.
What is the role of shoes in performing an ollie and a kickflip?
Skate shoes are designed to offer the grip and flexibility needed to effectively pop, flick, and land these tricks.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
