Ghetto Bird
The Iconic Nollie Hardflip BS 180
The Ghetto Bird is a legendary trick popularized by Kareem Campbell, consisting of a Nollie Hardflip combined with a Backside 180 body varial. Its name is a nod to urban culture, referencing police helicopters and the 1993 Ice Cube song "Ghetto Bird". This trick is a symbol of 90s street skating innovation and style.
Nollie Hardflip, Backside 180
🎯 A Symbol of Artistry and Identity
More than just a trick, the Ghetto Bird represents a blend of cultural elements—from music to street life—and embodies the creativity and dedication that define street skateboarding's evolution.
👟 Nollie Stance Foot Positioning
1. Front Foot Position (Pop)
Place your front foot on the nose of the board, in position to pop the nollie. Your toes should be ready to apply pressure for a crisp pop.
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2. Back Foot Position (Flick)
Your back foot should be set up for a hardflip flick, near the center of the board with your heel hanging off slightly. Most of your weight should be on this foot to guide the flip.
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📈 Detailed Ghetto Bird Execution
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Pop the Nollie Hardflip
Initiate the trick by popping a nollie hardflip. Your front foot pops the nose down, and your back foot flicks to start the hardflip rotation (kickflip + frontside shove-it).
Combine with Backside 180
As the board flips and rotates, turn your body and the board together in a backside 180-degree motion. Good airtime is key to combining both movements smoothly.
Catch and Land
Keep your eyes on the board. As it completes the full rotation, catch it with your feet over the bolts and prepare to land.
Land and Roll Away
Land with your knees bent to absorb the impact. Since you rotated 180 degrees, you will be rolling away in a switch stance.
Golden Tip!
The Ghetto Bird is NOT a late rotation. The body and board should turn together with the hardflip. Focus on getting enough pop from the nollie to have time for the full rotation.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Confusing it with a regular Hardflip BS 180: The Ghetto Bird is strictly a Nollie Hardflip BS 180. The version from a regular ollie stance is a different trick.
Incomplete rotation: This often happens from not committing to the full 180-degree body turn. Keep your shoulders turning.
Losing the flip: Focus on a clean nollie hardflip execution before adding the rotation.
This tutorial will help you demystify the Ghetto Bird:
Video Tutorial
Credits: Sk8Wine
Watch on YouTube →🏆 Congratulations! You made it to the end!
Now it's time to practice! Remember: consistency is the key to success.