Flips & Grabs

Master flips and grabs in Skate 3 to perform aerial maneuvers and build massive combos. Learn execution strategies for maximizing points and landing tricks.

Mastering Flips and Grabs is fundamental to racking up high scores and completing challenges in Skate 3. These aerial maneuvers, when combined with other tricks, form the backbone of impressive combos. This section will detail how to execute various flips and grabs, along with strategies for maximizing their point value and landing them cleanly.

Executing Flip Tricks

Flip tricks involve rotating your board along its horizontal or vertical axis. The direction and timing of your flick on the right analog stick determine the specific trick performed. Precision is key for consistent execution.

• Ollie/Pop Shuvit: To initiate any flip trick, you first need to Ollie. Pull down on the right analog stick (or press the 'A' button on Xbox 360/ 'X' button on PlayStation 3) and then release. For a Pop Shuvit, immediately after the Ollie, flick the right analog stick either left or right.
• Kickflip: After initiating an Ollie, quickly flick the right analog stick diagonally up and to the left. This causes the board to rotate along its longitudinal axis.
• Heelflip: Similar to a Kickflip, but after the Ollie, flick the right analog stick diagonally up and to the right.
• Varial Kickflip: Combine a Pop Shuvit with a Kickflip. Ollie, then flick the right analog stick left (for Pop Shuvit) and then immediately flick diagonally up and left (for Kickflip).
• Hardflip: A more advanced flip trick. Ollie, then flick the right analog stick straight up and then quickly to the left. This combines a frontside shuvit with a kickflip rotation.

Strategy for Flips: Practice in the Skate Park or the Mega Park to get a feel for the timing. The longer you hold the initial Ollie input, the higher you'll jump, giving you more airtime to execute and land your flips. Always aim to land with your board level to avoid bailing.

Executing Grab Tricks

Grab tricks involve holding onto your board in mid-air. These are excellent for extending airtime and adding significant points, especially when performed over large gaps or from high ramps. Use the left and right trigger buttons (LT/RT on Xbox 360, L2/R2 on PlayStation 3) to grab your board.

• Indy Grab: Ollie, then press and hold the right trigger (RT/R2) and flick the right analog stick diagonally down and to the left. This is a backside grab with your trailing hand.
• Stalefish Grab: Ollie, then press and hold the left trigger (LT/L2) and flick the right analog stick diagonally down and to the right. This is a backside grab with your leading hand.
• Melon Grab: Ollie, then press and hold the left trigger (LT/L2) and flick the right analog stick diagonally down and to the left. This is a frontside grab with your leading hand.
• Nosegrab: Ollie, then press and hold both triggers (LT+RT/L2+R2) and flick the right analog stick straight up.
• Tailgrab: Ollie, then press and hold both triggers (LT+RT/L2+R2) and flick the right analog stick straight down.

Strategy for Grabs: The longer you hold a grab, the more points you accumulate. However, holding for too long can make landing difficult. Release the grab just before landing to ensure a smooth touchdown. Combine grabs with rotations (using the left analog stick while grabbing) for even higher scores, such as a "Melon 360" or "Indy 540." Look for opportunities over the "Big Air Gap" in the University Campus or off the "Dam Drop" in the Port Carverton Docks for maximum airtime.

Combining Flips and Grabs

The true art of Skate 3 lies in combining these tricks into fluid, high-scoring combos. For instance, you can perform a Kickflip, then immediately transition into an Indy Grab before landing. This requires precise timing and quick finger work.

• Flip-to-Grab: Initiate your desired flip trick. As the board is rotating, quickly press and hold the appropriate trigger(s) and flick the right analog stick for your grab. Release the grab just before landing.
• Grab-to-Flip (Advanced): This is trickier. While holding a grab, you can sometimes release the grab and quickly flick for a flip trick before landing. This is best attempted with significant airtime.

Advanced Techniques: Experiment with different combinations. For example, try a "Double Kickflip Indy" by flicking for a Kickflip twice before initiating the Indy Grab. The "Super-Ultra-Mega Park" is an ideal location for practicing these complex aerial maneuvers due to its massive ramps and extended airtime opportunities. Remember to always aim for clean landings to maintain your combo multiplier!