Have you ever watched someone flawlessly execute a backside 360 on a skateboard and thought to yourself, “How can I do that?” Learning this advanced trick may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and dedication, you can master it too. Let’s dive into the steps, tips, and important considerations to help you conquer the backside 360 and impress your friends at the skate park.
Understanding the Basics
Before you try a backside 360, it’s essential to have a good grasp of fundamental skills. Knowing these basics will set a solid foundation and make learning this trick easier and safer.
Skateboarding Basics You Should Know
Before attempting a backside 360, ensure you are comfortable with these skills:
Riding and Balance: You should be able to ride, turn, and maintain your balance on a skateboard. This foundational skill is crucial for all tricks.
Ollie: The ollie is the jumping-off point for many tricks, including the backside 360. Make sure you can pop a consistent and controlled ollie.
Backside 180: Learning a backside 180 is a precursor to the 360. This trick involves turning your body and board 180 degrees. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the motion needed for the backside 360.
The Importance of Stance
Your stance plays a significant role in executing a backside 360. Here’s what you need to know:
Regular vs. Goofy: Identify if you’re regular-footed (left foot forward) or goofy-footed (right foot forward). This will affect how you initiate and follow through with the spin.
Wide Stance: A wider stance can offer more control and leverage when popping the board. Place your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your back foot on the tail and your front foot near the middle of the deck.
Preparing to Attempt the Backside 360
Preparation is key to successfully learning the backside 360. This section will cover the preparatory steps you should take to increase your chances of nailing the trick.
Safety First
Skateboarding comes with risks, so take these safety precautions seriously:
Helmet and Pads: Always wear a helmet and pads to protect yourself from potential falls. Confidence often grows when you know you’re protected from injuries.
Warm-Up: Spend a few minutes warming up your body with stretches or a light ride around the park. Warming up can prevent injuries and improve your flexibility and reaction time.
Mental Preparation
Your mindset can greatly influence your success in learning new tricks. Keep these points in mind:
Visualization: Before attempting the trick, visualize yourself successfully completing it. Imagine the motion, the feel of the board under your feet, and landing smoothly.
Stay Positive: Failure is part of the learning process. Stay patient and be encouraging with yourself as you progress.
Step-by-Step Guide to Backside 360
Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to break down the backside 360 into manageable steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you execute the trick:
Step 1: Preparing for Takeoff
Approach: Find a smooth, open runway to practice. Start by rolling forward slowly to give yourself enough momentum for the trick.
Correct Stance: Position your feet properly on the skateboard as discussed earlier. Your front foot should be aligned on the middle of the board, and your back foot placed firmly on the tail.
Step 2: The Wind-up
Body Rotation: Begin by winding your shoulders in the opposite direction of the spin. This wind-up generates momentum for the 360 spin.
Look Back: Turn your head in the direction you plan to spin. Your head leads the rotation of the body, so this step is vital.
Step 3: The Pop and Spin
Pop the Board: Use your back foot to pop the skateboard off the ground. Simultaneously, begin rotating your shoulders back in the direction of the spin.
Slide the Front Foot: Drag your front foot up the board to help lift the skateboard and initiate the spin. This motion is similar to an ollie but with additional rotation.
Step 4: Completing the Spin
Full Rotation: Continue using your shoulders and head to steer the full 360 rotation. Your body follows where your head and shoulders lead, so keep your eyes on where you want to land.
Keep Level: Try to keep your upper body as level as possible while spinning. A centered rotation will lead to a smoother and more controlled landing.
Step 5: Landing Smoothly
Spot the Landing: Mid-spin, start looking for your landing spot. Spotting where you plan to land will help you prepare your body and board to come down evenly.
Absorb the Impact: As you complete the spin and descend, use your knees to absorb the impact. Bending your knees will stabilize your landing and reduce the shock on your body.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you experience difficulties performing the backside 360, don’t worry. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Not Completing the Full Spin
Problem: You can’t achieve the full 360-degree rotation.
Solution: Focus on your shoulder rotation and ensure you’re generating enough momentum in the wind-up phase. A more forceful shoulder rotation can help propel you into the full spin.
Losing Balance Mid-Spin
Problem: You lose balance and fall off the board during the spin.
Solution: Ensure you have a stable, wide stance before popping. Additionally, practicing on softer surfaces (e.g., grass) might help you get a feel for the motion without the fear of falling hard.
Difficulty with Landing
Problem: You struggle to land smoothly.
Solution: Practice spotting your landing earlier and try bending your knees more during touchdown to help absorb the impact.
Practice Tips and Techniques
Practicing effectively can make a significant difference in the speed and success of learning the backside 360. Here are some tips to practice more efficiently:
Break Down the Trick
Instead of trying the whole backside 360 at once, break it into smaller components:
Practice Wind-Ups: Before trying to spin, practice just the shoulder wind-up and board pop. This can improve your coordination and confidence.
Work on Rotation: Focus on attempts where you specifically practice just the spinning part, without fully popping the board.
Incremental Practice
Start with 180s: If the full 360 is too challenging initially, work up from backside 180s. Gradually increase your rotation.
Use a Ramp or Bank: Practicing on a slight incline can help with the momentum and facilitate learning the rotation.
Staying Motivated
Mastering a backside 360 can take time and perseverance. Here are some ways to stay motivated:
Set Achievable Goals
Setting small, achievable goals will give you milestones to celebrate and help mark your progress:
Daily Goals: Aim to practice for a set time each day. Even 15 minutes of focused practice can be very effective.
Weekly Progress: Set weekly objectives, like improving your spin or getting more consistent with your attempts.
Keep the Fun Alive
Remember, skateboarding is meant to be enjoyable. Keep it light-hearted:
Skate with Friends: Practicing tricks with friends can be fun and motivating. They can offer encouragement, feedback, and a competitive edge.
Take Breaks: If you’re feeling frustrated, take a break and try another trick or simply ride around. Returning to the backside 360 with a fresh mindset can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Learning to do a backside 360 on a skateboard is an exciting journey that requires patience, practice, and persistence. By understanding the fundamental skills, preparing mentally and physically, and following a step-by-step approach, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this trick. Remember to prioritize safety and stay motivated throughout the process. Soon enough, you’ll be spinning effortlessly, impressing yourself and others with your newfound skating prowess. Keep pushing, practicing, and enjoying every moment on your board!