How to Do Skateboard Tricks?

Skateboarding is more than just a sport—it’s an art form, a way to express creativity through motion. If you’ve ever watched a skater effortlessly glide across the pavement, flipping and spinning their board like it’s second nature, you might wonder: How do they do that? The answer lies in mastering skateboard tricks. Whether you’re a newbie or an intermediate skater, learning to perform tricks will improve your skills and elevate your experience. So, let’s dive into this thrilling world where balance, precision, and courage meet.

The Basics

The Importance of Fundamentals

Before jumping into tricks, it’s crucial to understand the basics of skateboarding. Mastering fundamental techniques—like balancing, riding, and stopping—will give you the confidence you need when attempting more advanced moves.

Choosing the Right Skateboard and Gear

Not all skateboards are created equal. When learning tricks, you’ll want a board that suits your style. For tricks, a standard skateboard deck with a width of around 8 inches is ideal. Don’t forget your protective gear—helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are a must. Safety first!

Getting Comfortable with the Board

Finding Balance

Imagine standing on a tightrope. That’s how some beginners feel when they first step on a skateboard. But balance is the foundation of all skateboard tricks. Start by practicing standing still on the board, and once you’re comfortable, move on to riding and turning.

Riding and Pushing Techniques

Before learning tricks, you need to master the art of riding. Pushing off with your back foot while keeping your front foot steady will help you build momentum. As you ride, focus on distributing your weight evenly to avoid wobbles.

First Trick to Master: The Ollie

What is an Ollie?

The Ollie is the gateway to almost every other trick in skateboarding. It’s a basic jump that doesn’t involve using your hands to lift the board off the ground—making it one of the most essential tricks to learn.

How to Perform an Ollie

1. Position your feet: Place your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot near the middle.
2. Pop the tail: Slam the tail down hard while simultaneously jumping upwards.
3. Slide your front foot: As you jump, slide your front foot towards the nose of the board.
4. Level out: In mid-air, level the board by pulling your back foot upwards.
5. Land: Try to land with both feet over the bolts to keep the board stable.

The Pop Shuvit

What is a Pop Shuvit?

The Pop Shuvit is another beginner-friendly trick where the board spins 180 degrees beneath your feet without the rider rotating.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Set up: Start with your feet in an Ollie position.
2. Pop the tail: Pop the tail while scooping your back foot to initiate the spin.
3. Guide the board: As the board spins, guide it with your front foot.
4. Catch and land: Once the board completes the 180-degree spin, catch it and land.

Mastering the Kickflip

The Mechanics of a Kickflip

The Kickflip builds on the Ollie, adding a spin along the board’s axis. It requires precise foot movement to flip the board.

How to Kickflip

1. Start in Ollie position: Position your feet as if you’re about to Ollie.
2. Kick out with your front foot: After popping the tail, flick your front foot off the edge of the nose to initiate the flip.
3. Catch and land: Once the board flips fully, catch it with your feet and land smoothly.

The Heelflip

How the Heelflip Differs from a Kickflip

While the Kickflip flips the board using your toes, the Heelflip flips it with your heel.

Performing the Heelflip

1. Foot positioning: Place your front foot slightly further back than for a Kickflip.
2. Pop and flick: Pop the board with your back foot while flicking your front heel towards the edge.
3. Land: Guide the board back under your feet and land squarely.

Getting Air: The Frontside 180

The Technique Behind the Frontside 180

The Frontside 180 is a stylish trick where both you and the board rotate 180 degrees in the air.

How to Perform a Frontside 180

1. Setup: Start as you would for an Ollie.
2. Pop and turn: Pop the tail while rotating your shoulders in the direction of the spin.
3. Guide the board: Use your shoulders to guide the board’s movement in mid-air.
4. Land: Complete the spin and land.

Beyond the Basics: The Varial Kickflip

Combining Tricks to Form the Varial Kickflip

The Varial Kickflip combines a Kickflip and a Pop Shuvit. It requires excellent coordination and timing.

Mastering the Foot Movement

1. Set up: Start with your feet in a standard Kickflip position.
2. Scoop and flick: While performing the Kickflip, scoop the back foot to rotate the board in a 180-degree Pop Shuvit.
3. Catch and land: Once the board flips and spins, catch it and land firmly.

Building Confidence: The 50-50 Grind

What is a Grind Trick?

Grinds involve sliding your board along a rail or ledge. The 50-50 grind is a great starting point.

Steps to Landing a 50-50 Grind

1. Approach the ledge: Ride toward the ledge at a slight angle.
2. Ollie onto the ledge: Use an Ollie to get both trucks onto the ledge.
3. Slide and dismount: Slide along the ledge and then perform a small Ollie off to dismount.

Ramping it Up: The Drop-in

How to Safely Drop-in on Ramps

Dropping in at a skatepark can be intimidating, but mastering this skill opens up a whole new world of skating.

Building Confidence

Start small and gradually work your way up to larger ramps. Focus on shifting your weight forward to avoid falling backward.

Advanced Trick: The 360 Flip

How the 360 Flip Works

The 360 Flip combines a Pop Shuvit and a Kickflip, spinning the board 360 degrees while flipping it.

Breaking Down the Complex Movements

1. Pop and scoop: Scoop the board hard with your back foot while flicking the front foot for the flip.
2. Catch mid-air: Time your jump to catch the board after it completes the spin.
3. Land with precision: Aim to land with your feet over the bolts for maximum