Yes there's a fair amount of technique involved in re-acquainting to go back to flat platform pedals.
However, don't underestimate the SHOES you're using - and the flat pedal profiles too (there's a lot of different types and they can make a difference).
As far as the flat pedals themselves are concerned, they come as literally flat, or concave, or symmetrical, twisted asymmetrical, thin or fat thickness profile, large or small step area, and plastic or metal body. Then there's plastic moulded pins (round or square) or metal pins, the number of pins, fat pins or thin pins (hypodermic shin mashers), and even the height of the pins can make a big difference. Don't think that more pins means more grip. The first generation BMX Shimano DX pedal if I recall correctly, had only four thin pins and they were the grippiest flat pedals I've ever used (but not necessarily liked)! No one can tell you which is the definitive "best" pedal of all time is - because we all have different feet. Crumbs, I sound like a salesman!
Over the years, I've come to know which type of pedal design gives me a good positive feel. Not just one particular pedal, mind you... I'm not THAT fussy - but I can tell by just one look if a pedal will suit me or not. Have tried so many types over the years. These days I prefer plastic body with metal pins.
But then... often overlooked is the SHOE itself. Road cyclists coming over from the clipless side of things are used to shoes that have very hard (or solid soles). Some (not all) SPD hybrid MTB shoes also have firm soles for added 'clipped-in' support. Many MTB specific shoes also have stiffer soles when compared to casual flat shoes or skateboardy shoes. Some flat pedal riders like their sole support firm, others like them soft (like walking shoes soft). For me, if the sole support is too firm I eventually get a sharp painful stitch right under my foot arch. Then there are those freaks than can ride'em with jandals (flip-flops)... I knew a guy once that can do jumps on flat pedals with bare feet!
But most important to consider is the material under sole and most especially the waffle pattern. I stay away from fancy and intricate patterns that are non-uniform. Those are designed for running (contact for the pavement) and so the pedal pins end up with a 'hit and miss' grab. Although I have a MTB specific pair of shoes for flat pedals, my favourite riding shoe is actually not cycling specific... firm sole support (but not too firm) but the under sole pattern is flat and uniform with no arch scallop - not hard rubber (pins don't push well into hard rubber) but not too gummy either.
Something to think about when transitioning to flat pedals. Hope it helps.
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