Determining Your Tricking Direction
Before learning the butterfly kick, practitioners must establish their dominant tricking side. This can be determined through two methods: performing 360-degree spins in both directions and executing cartwheels (using tricking form rather than gymnastics form). The direction that feels most natural and controlled indicates the practitioner's tricking orientation.
Setup and Stance Fundamentals
The butterfly kick requires proper setup to generate sufficient power. Practitioners can begin from standing position by angling their front foot toward the direction of travel, though beginners benefit from the triple-step approach. The triple-step involves facing the travel direction, executing a turning motion similar to a cheap step, and dragging one foot behind while stepping forward twice.
The Dip and Vertical Drive
Upon completing the triple-step, practitioners must execute a controlled dip while maintaining a straight back throughout the movement. Maintaining spinal alignment during the dip is critical for achieving height and ensuring proper technique execution. A bent back significantly reduces the vertical power generated and diminishes the visual quality of the technique.
Leg Mechanics and Rotation
For left-sided trickers, the rear leg initiates a powerful kick while the opposite leg prepares to switch mid-rotation. The harder the initial kick, the greater the height achieved and the more controlled the rotation becomes. As momentum builds, practitioners execute a flat spin—a subtle rotation—while looking over and across the body to maintain spatial awareness.
Complete Execution Sequence
The complete butterfly kick sequence flows as follows: triple-step, dip, rear-leg kick, switch legs mid-air, execute flat spin, and land. Practitioners should film themselves during practice to identify execution errors and refine consistency. Mastering the butterfly kick to reliable execution (10 times out of 10) requires deliberate, repetitive practice.
Transitioning to the Aerial
The aerial builds upon the butterfly kick foundation but requires critical body position adjustments. Rather than looking across the body, practitioners must focus their gaze downward at a fixed spot on the ground, rotating around that spot to maintain orientation. This different head position and visual focus fundamentally changes the aerial's trajectory.
Arm Positioning for Aerial Execution
The primary distinction between butterfly kick and aerial arm mechanics involves arm placement and extension. For the butterfly kick, arms extend outward and across during the triple-step. For the aerial, arms remain tucked close to the body, and the practitioner generates more vertical lift while kicking to the side.
Safety Considerations
Practitioners should develop a solid cartwheel on the same tricking side before progressing to aerials. This skill provides a safety exit: if an aerial becomes unstable, practitioners can place their hands down and catch themselves rather than falling directly onto the head. Safe training practices prevent serious injury and encourage consistent skill development.
Advanced Refinement and Progression
Once both techniques are reliably executed, practitioners can refine their form by straightening their legs during rotation for enhanced visual clarity. While not essential, extended legs produce cleaner aesthetics. Practitioners should focus on advancing to more complex skills once butterfly kicks and aerials reach consistent execution standards.
Butterfly Kick/Tricker Aerial Tutorial (First Ever Tutorial!)
Key Takeaways
- •Determining Your Tricking Direction
- •Setup and Stance Fundamentals
- •The Dip and Vertical Drive
- •Leg Mechanics and Rotation
Hope you guys learn something! Enjoy! —————————————————————— This is a tutorial aimed at beginners to tricking. —————————————————————— Songs: Illumina Beats-JAZZ UNDERGROUND Lynn Music-Bolangierie Outro: Alive-Codine City —————————————————————— Subscribe!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard single butterfly?
This video covers determining your tricking direction, setup and stance fundamentals, the dip and vertical drive. It provides detailed instruction from Zenix Tricking.
How long does it take to learn standard single butterfly?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard single butterfly?
Practitioners should develop a solid cartwheel on the same tricking side before progressing to aerials. This skill provides a safety exit: if an aerial becomes unstable, practitioners can place their hands down and catch themselves rather than falling directly onto the head. Safe training practices prevent serious injury and encourage consistent skill development.
