Have you ever watched a skateboarder gliding smoothly across a rail and thought, “How do they make that look so easy?” If so, you’re not alone. Many aspiring skateboarders are eager to learn the skillful art of grinding, and one of the most stylish and rewarding tricks you can master is the crooked grind. In this article, we’ll break down every aspect of how to do a crooked grind on a skateboard in a friendly and comprehensive way.
Understanding the Basics
Before you jump onto a rail or ledge, it’s important to understand what a crooked grind is and how it differs from other grinds. A crooked grind involves grinding with your front truck locked onto the rail or ledge while your back truck is lifted slightly to the side. It’s a versatile and stylish trick that can be done on different types of obstacles.
Why Learn the Crooked Grind?
Learning the crooked grind expands your trick repertoire and enhances your creativity on the skateboard. This trick not only looks impressive, but it also helps you improve your balance, precision, and control. Plus, mastering it opens up possibilities for more complex tricks and combinations.
Preparing for the Crooked Grind
Preparation is key to success in skateboarding, and the crooked grind is no exception. Here are some steps to get you ready:
Choose the Right Spot
Finding the right spot is crucial. Look for a rail or ledge that’s not too high and has a smooth surface. If you’re just beginning, start with a lower obstacle. Concrete or metal ledges and rails are usually the best choice for smooth grinding.
Equip Yourself Properly
Safety is essential, so make sure you have the right gear. Wear a helmet, knee, and elbow pads. Choosing the right skateboard is also important. Ensure your skateboard is in good condition with grip tape that provides enough traction, and trucks adjusted for the level of control you need.
Warm Up and Practice Basics
Perform a warm-up routine to get your muscles ready and practice some fundamental skills like ollies and 50-50 grinds if you’re familiar with them. These will help build the foundation needed for the crooked grind.
Setting Up for the Crooked Grind
Once you’re prepared, it’s time to set up for the crooked grind. Your approach and stance are vital for executing this trick properly.
Foot Placement
Your foot positioning on the skateboard is crucial. Place your front foot near the bolts in an angle pointing slightly towards the nose. Your back foot should be over the tail, ready to pop an ollie.
Approach Angle and Speed
Approach the obstacle at a slight angle. Too steep of an angle can cause you to slide off, while coming in too straight can make balancing difficult. Your speed should be moderate—not too fast to lose control, but not too slow to stop your momentum.
Executing the Crooked Grind
Finally, it’s time to execute the trick. Understanding each movement will help you perform this grind more smoothly.
Popping and Locking In
Perform an ollie towards the obstacle. Use your shoulders to guide the board and angle your front truck towards the ledge or rail. Aim to lock your front truck onto the edge, ensuring your back truck hovers over the side.
Balancing the Grind
Balancing in a crooked grind requires practice. Focus your weight over the front foot and keep your core engaged to stay steady. Your shoulders should align with your skateboard to maintain balance through the grind.
Coming Out of the Grind
Prepare to dismount by slightly lifting the nose of the skateboard to level out. Once you reach the end of the obstacle, shift your weight to your back foot and guide the board off the ledge or rail.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Every skateboarder slips up when learning new tricks. Here are a few common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Mistiming the Ollie
Many skateboarders freeze during the ollie, causing them to miss the lock-in. Practice your timing and ollie separately to gain confidence.
Losing Balance
If you tend to slide off early, consider adjusting your posture. Remain centered over your board and look ahead to focus your balance.
Wrong Angle
Approaching at a wrong angle is common. Start by rolling up slowly to find the perfect angle that suits your style.
Tips for Improving Your Crooked Grind
Consistency and patience are crucial in skateboarding. Here are some tips to refine and perfect your crooked grind:
Practice Regularly
Devote time to practicing regularly. Consistent practice enables your muscle memory to develop, allowing you to become more fluid in your movements.
Study Others
Watch videos of professional skateboarders performing crooked grinds. Observe their techniques and try to incorporate useful aspects into your attempts.
Keep Your Equipment in Shape
Ensure that your skateboard is always in good condition. Regularly check your grip tape, wheels, and trucks to minimize potential disruptions when skating.
Building Confidence
Confidence plays a major role in executing tricks on a skateboard. Here are some strategies to boost your confidence as you learn the crooked grind:
Start Small
Use smaller obstacles to gradually build your ability and confidence. As you grow more comfortable, progress to larger and more challenging rails or ledges.
Celebrate Small Wins
Every step forward is an achievement. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and use it as motivation to keep improving.
Visualize Success
Visualizing the entire trick from start to finish can help build confidence. Before attempting the grind, take a moment to see yourself completing it successfully.
Expanding Your Skills
After mastering the crooked grind, consider adding some variations or combos to your arsenal:
Crooked to Nosegrind
Once you’re comfortable with a crooked grind, try transitioning into a nosegrind for an impressive combo trick. This requires precise movement and balance.
Shuvit Out
Incorporate a shuvit out of the grind for an additional challenge. This adds flair and complexity to your execution as you land.
Fakie Crooked Grind
Challenge yourself by approaching the obstacle fakie. By doing so, you’ll expand your control over different orientations and directions.
Conclusion
The journey to mastering the crooked grind can be filled with excitement and moments of triumph. Remember, practice makes perfect, and patience is your ally. Equipped with your new knowledge and understanding, you’re ready to hit the skatepark and tackle this trick with confidence. Keep pushing yourself, and soon you’ll glide over obstacles with style and ease!