---
title: Kickturn
image: kickturn.mp4
image_source: https://youtu.be/FErdWEtrRws
image_credit: Skate Tutors
image_credit_url: https://www.youtube.com/@SkateTutorsLLC
image_title: "Learn how to do Kickturns on Flatground Skateboarding (Frontside and Backside)"
image_clip: https://youtu.be/FErdWEtrRws?0:19.1-0:22.3
skill: turn my skateboard by lifting the nose, pivoting and setting the wheels down
tags: [fundamentals]
switch: true again
prerequisite:
- introduction
- picking-a-skateboard
- regular-or-goofy
- pushing
- carving
authors:
- ManVsBoard
updated: 2026-10-15
---

## What this trick is

A kickturn is a way of changing direction of your skateboard by lifting the front wheels and pivoting before setting them back down again.

## Before you try it

Be comfortable pushing, riding your skateboard and carving to change direction.

## How to do it

1. **The setup** - Be in your normal riding position with your front foot on the bolts and back foot on the tail.  
2. **Lift your front foot** up whilst applying a little pressure down on the tail to lift the nose of the board, without the tail touching the ground.
3. **Pivot** on the back wheels, leading with your front arm and shoulder in the direction you want to turn
4. **Lean forwards** to set the front wheels back down in their new position.

**Learn more here!**

https://youtu.be/FErdWEtrRws

*[Skate Tutors](https://www.youtube.com/@SkateTutorsLLC) · [Learn how to do Kickturns on Flatground Skateboarding (Frontside and Backside)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FErdWEtrRws)*
## Common mistakes

- Turning legs and not upper body
- Not being comfortable riding the board before attempting
- Pressing too hard on the tail and scraping it on the ground

## How to know you've got it

Can confidently kickturn 180 degrees to travel back in the opposite direction.