If you’ve ever wondered how to level up your skateboard slappy tricks, look no further! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, this article will provide you with some useful tips and techniques to enhance your slappy game. From perfecting your balance and timing to mastering the art of grinds, we’ve got you covered. So, dust off your deck, grab your helmet, and get ready to take your slappy skills to the next level!
Equipment
When it comes to improving your skateboard slappy tricks, having the right equipment is key. One of the first things you need to consider is choosing the right board. The ideal board for slappies is typically a wider deck with a longer wheelbase, as this provides stability and control. Look for a board that suits your height and shoe size, and make sure it has a durable construction to withstand the impact of slappies.
Choosing the Right Board
When selecting a board for slappies, you want to consider the width and length of the deck. A wider board gives you a larger surface area to land on, making it easier to maintain balance during your tricks. Similarly, a longer wheelbase provides more stability, helping you ride out your slappies smoothly. Ultimately, the size of the board should match your height and shoe size, as this will ensure a comfortable and efficient setup.
Optimal Setup for Slappies
In addition to the board, your setup plays a crucial role in improving your slappy tricks. It’s recommended to use softer wheels with a durometer around 78A to 87A. Softer wheels offer more grip and absorb impact, allowing you to land and slide smoothly. Additionally, your trucks should be looser than usual, as this will give you more maneuverability and freedom while executing your slappies. Experiment with different setups to find the combination that works best for you.
Basic Techniques
Mastering the basic techniques is essential for improving your skateboard slappy tricks. By getting comfortable with riding, perfecting your balance, mastering the ollie, and learning the manual, you’ll build a strong foundation for more advanced slappies.
Getting Comfortable with Riding
Before diving into slappies, it’s important to feel comfortable on your skateboard. Spend time practicing basic riding skills such as pushing, turning, and stopping. This will help you develop a sense of control and confidence on your board, which is crucial when approaching obstacles.
Perfecting Your Balance
Maintaining balance is key for successful slappies. Focus on keeping your weight centered over the board, distributing it evenly between your front and back foot. Keep your knees slightly bent and engage your core muscles to stabilize your body. By practicing balance exercises, such as standing on one leg or riding on uneven surfaces, you can improve your stability and control.
Mastering the Ollie
The ollie is a fundamental trick in skateboarding, and it serves as a foundation for many slappy variations. Spend time practicing your ollie technique, focusing on popping the tail of your board and sliding your front foot up the deck. This will allow you to get your board off the ground and clear obstacles, making it easier to execute slappies with confidence.
Learning the Manual
The manual is another important skill to master for slappy tricks. It involves balancing on either the front or back wheels while riding without touching the ground with your other wheels. By learning to control your weight distribution and finding the sweet spot to maintain balance, you’ll improve your ability to perform slappies on various obstacles.
Approaching Obstacles
To improve your skateboard slappy tricks, it’s necessary to understand how to approach different obstacles. By identifying ideal obstacles, analyzing their height, and assessing their surface, you can adapt your technique and maximize your success rate.
Identifying Ideal Obstacles
When it comes to slappies, not all obstacles are created equal. Look for obstacles with a low height, such as curbs, ledges, or even manual pads. These types of obstacles provide a suitable surface for executing slappies, allowing for smooth slides and controlled landings. Start with smaller obstacles and progress to more challenging ones as you gain confidence and skills.
Analyzing Obstacle Height
The height of an obstacle can greatly impact the difficulty level of your slappies. As a beginner, it’s recommended to start with lower obstacles to develop your technique and build confidence. As you improve, gradually attempt slappies on higher obstacles, pushing your limits while maintaining control and safety. Progressing incrementally will help you avoid unnecessary risks and ensure a gradual improvement in your skills.
Assessing Obstacle Surface
The surface of an obstacle plays a crucial role in slappies. Look for smooth surfaces that allow your wheels to slide easily, such as concrete or metal. Rough or sticky surfaces can hinder the slide and cause your wheels to grip, resulting in an unstable landing. Take a moment to assess the surface of the obstacle before attempting a slappy, ensuring that it provides a suitable condition for a smooth slide.
Foot Placement and Weight Distribution
The placement of your front and back foot, as well as the shifting of your weight during trick execution, are key factors in improving your skateboard slappy tricks. By focusing on proper foot placement and mastering weight distribution, you’ll enhance your stability and increase your control over the board.
Placement of Front Foot
For most slappies, it’s generally recommended to place your front foot in the pocket of the board, about halfway between the front bolts and the middle of the deck. This position enables you to have enough control over the board while allowing room for your back foot to maneuver.
Placement of Back Foot
The placement of your back foot depends on the type of slappy trick you’re attempting. For regular slappies (grinding with the front truck), position your back foot over the back bolts, slightly angled toward the tail. This will provide stability and control during the slide. For switch slappies (grinding with the back truck), position your back foot over the front bolts, angled toward the nose.
Weight Shift During Trick Execution
As you approach the obstacle, distribute your weight evenly between both feet. As you pop and initiate the slide, shift slightly more weight to your front foot to engage the grinding motion. This will help you maintain balance and stability during the trick. As you prepare to land, shift your weight back to a balanced position to ensure a smooth and controlled touchdown.
Speed and Approach
The right speed and approach are crucial for executing successful slappy tricks. By maintaining speed, finding the right approach angle, and controlling speed with foot brakes, you’ll enhance your ability to execute slappies with style and precision.
Maintaining Speed
To execute slappies smoothly, it’s important to maintain a consistent speed. Too much speed can cause you to overshoot the obstacle, while too little speed can prevent you from sliding properly. Find a comfortable speed that allows you to approach the obstacle with control and confidence. Practice maintaining speed by riding continuously and working on your pumping technique to generate momentum.
Finding the Right Approach Angle
The approach angle refers to the angle at which you approach the obstacle. This angle affects the trajectory of your slide and the positioning of your board. Experiment with different approach angles to find the one that suits your style and allows for maximum control. Generally, a slight angle towards the obstacle is recommended, as this provides a smoother and more controlled slide.
Controlling Speed with Foot Brakes
Sometimes, maintaining speed can become challenging, especially when approaching obstacles with limited space or on steeper inclines. In such cases, you can use foot brakes to control your speed. Dragging the sole of your shoe along the ground can create enough friction to slow down your board. Practice this technique to gain confidence in controlling your speed and ensure safer slappy executions.
Practice Techniques
Like any other skateboard trick, slappies require practice and repetition to master. By starting with mini slappies, progressing to higher and longer slappies, and performing slappies on different obstacles, you’ll gradually improve your skills and build your confidence.
Start with Mini Slappies
Begin by practicing mini slappies on smaller obstacles such as curbs or lower ledges. These mini slappies will help you focus on your technique and build the necessary muscle memory. Start by approaching the obstacle at a comfortable speed, popping the tail, and sliding your front truck along the edge. With practice, you’ll find yourself consistently landing and sliding smoothly.
Progress to Higher and Longer Slappies
Once you’ve become comfortable with mini slappies, challenge yourself by progressing to higher and longer slappies. Find larger or taller obstacles and gradually increase the distance of your slides. This progression will push your limits and help you refine your technique while adapting to different conditions and obstacles.
Performing Slappies on Different Obstacles
To truly enhance your slappy skills, experiment with performing slappies on various obstacles. Curbs, ledges, manual pads, and even unconventional objects can provide unique challenges and opportunities for creative expression. By adapting your technique and approach to different obstacles, you’ll expand your repertoire and develop a well-rounded slappy game.
Balance and Body Control
Maintaining balance throughout the trick and controlling your body movements are paramount for successful slappy tricks. By practicing specific balance exercises and focusing on your body control, you’ll enhance your stability, fluidity, and overall performance.
Maintaining Balance Throughout the Trick
To maintain balance during a slappy, it’s crucial to keep your weight centered over the board. Focus on engaging your core muscles and keeping your knees slightly bent. This will provide a stable base and prevent you from tipping over. Additionally, keep your upper body relaxed and aligned with your board. By mastering balance, you’ll gain greater control and increase your success rate with slappies.
Controlling Body Movements for Stability
Body control is essential for executing slappy tricks with stability and finesse. As you slide and grind, maintain a controlled and fluid movement with your body. Avoid overcompensating or making sudden jerky motions, as this can throw off your balance and affect your slide. Keep your movements smooth and maintain a consistent posture throughout the trick. By practicing controlled body movements, you’ll enhance your stability and overall performance.
Timing and Pop
The timing of your tail pop and slide execution, as well as finding the sweet spot, greatly affect the quality of your slappies. By focusing on the execution of the tail pop, timing the slide, and finding the sweet spot for a smooth grind, you’ll elevate your slappy tricks to the next level.
Executing the Tail Pop
The tail pop is the explosive movement that initiates the slide and grind. Practice popping the tail of your board by pushing down forcefully with your back foot while simultaneously lifting your front foot. This quick and powerful motion creates the momentum and height needed for a successful slide. By honing your tail pop technique, you’ll ensure a solid foundation for your slappies.
Timing the Slide
The timing of your slide is crucial for achieving a smooth and controlled grind. As you pop the tail, slide your front foot up the deck, making contact with the obstacle. The timing of this slide determines the length and stability of your grind. Experiment with different timing variations, ensuring that your slide engages before your wheels reach the edge of the obstacle. This will allow for a consistent and controlled slide.
Finding the Sweet Spot
The sweet spot refers to the optimal area on the obstacle where your trucks make contact and slide smoothly. This spot may vary depending on the shape and angle of the obstacle. By experimenting with different points of contact and adjusting your weight distribution, you’ll find the sweet spot that offers the best balance, slide, and overall control. Practice sliding along the edge of the obstacle, paying attention to the sensations and adjusting until you find that perfect sweet spot.
Common Mistakes
Even the most seasoned skateboarders make mistakes. Understanding and being aware of common mistakes will help you identify and correct them, ensuring a smoother and more successful slappy execution.
Landing on the Wrong Truck
One common mistake in slappies is landing on the wrong truck. This occurs when you unintentionally land with your weight on the front truck instead of the targeted truck. To avoid this, pay close attention to your foot placement, weight distribution, and body alignment as you approach the obstacle. Stay focused on landing with the correct truck to maintain balance and avoid any unnecessary wobbling.
Overcompensating on the Slide
During the slide, it’s common to overcompensate or apply too much pressure, which can result in an unstable grind or loss of balance. To prevent this, maintain a relaxed and controlled slide motion, focusing on a consistent amount of pressure. Smooth and gradual adjustments to your body movements during the slide will help you find the perfect balance between controlling your slide and maintaining stability.
Losing Control on Landing
Another common mistake is losing control upon landing. This often happens when you don’t maintain a centered and balanced position while transitioning from the slide to the landing. To avoid losing control, focus on shifting your weight back to a balanced position as you approach the end of the obstacle. Practice smooth weight distribution and maintain a stable posture throughout the trick, ensuring a controlled landing.
Incorporating Style
Slappies offer a canvas for creative expression and individual style. Experimenting with different approaches, adding creative flair, and incorporating your own personal touch can take your slappy tricks to the next level.
Adding Creative Flair
Once you feel comfortable executing slappies with the basic techniques, it’s time to add your own creative flair. Experiment with variations such as different grabs, hand placements, or body rotations. Get creative with your slides, finding unique ways to use the obstacle and showcase your style. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and push the boundaries of your imagination.
Experimenting with Different Approaches
While slappies are traditionally grinds executed with the front truck, there’s no strict rule when it comes to incorporating slappy tricks into your skateboarding. Feel free to experiment with different approaches, including switch slappies or even slapping with the tail of your board. By exploring different approaches, you’ll expand your skillset, challenge yourself, and discover new ways to express your skateboarding style.
In conclusion, improving your skateboard slappy tricks requires patience, practice, and a conscious focus on technique. By choosing the right board, perfecting your balance, mastering the basic techniques, and experimenting with different approaches, you’ll gradually build your skills and enhance your slappy game. Remember to have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the process of progressing your skateboarding abilities. So get out there, find your perfect obstacle, and let your slappies shine with style and confidence!
