So, you’ve just hopped on your skateboard and you’re ready to take your skills to the next level by learning some impressive pivot and revert tricks. Whether you’re a beginner trying to master the basics or an experienced skater looking to add some new moves to your repertoire, this article is here to help. From understanding the fundamentals to breaking down the steps, you’ll discover the secrets to mastering skateboard pivot and revert tricks, all while having a blast on your board. Get ready to impress your friends and become the envy of the skatepark with your newfound skills!
Mastering the Basics
Getting comfortable on your skateboard
Before diving into pivot and revert tricks, it’s important to first get comfortable on your skateboard. Spend ample time simply standing on your board, feeling the balance and familiarizing yourself with its movements. Practice rolling back and forth, shifting your weight from one foot to the other. This will help you develop a sense of stability and control.
Developing balance and stability
Balance is crucial when it comes to skateboarding, so it’s essential to work on improving your balance and stability. Practice standing on one foot while rolling, gradually extending the duration of each balance. This will not only strengthen your core muscles, but also enhance your overall control on the board.
Learning basic skateboarding techniques
Before tackling pivot and revert tricks, it’s important to learn and master some basic skateboarding techniques. Start by perfecting your ollie, which is the foundational trick in skateboarding. Learn how to pop your board and jump into the air, landing with both feet, and gradually increase your height and distance. Additionally, practice the manual, a trick that involves balancing on only two wheels of your skateboard. These techniques will provide a solid foundation for more advanced tricks.
Understanding Pivot and Revert Tricks
What are pivot and revert tricks?
Pivot and revert tricks are popular skateboard maneuvers that involve rotating the skateboard on its nose or tail while maintaining control. Pivot tricks involve spinning the skateboard on its wheels, while revert tricks involve spinning the skateboard and landing with the opposite foot in front.
Different types of pivot and revert tricks
There are various types of pivot and revert tricks that you can learn as you progress in your skateboarding journey. Some popular pivot tricks include kickturns, where you rotate the skateboard with your front foot while keeping your back wheels on the ground, and carving, which involves making fluid turns by shifting your weight from heel to toe. Revert tricks, on the other hand, include maneuvers like shove-its, where you spin the skateboard 180 degrees beneath your feet, and 360 reverts, which require a complete rotation of the board.
Preparing for Pivot and Revert Tricks
Choosing the right skateboard setup
Having the appropriate skateboard setup is crucial for successfully executing pivot and revert tricks. Ensure that your skateboard is the right size and shape for your style of riding. For pivot tricks, a wider board with larger wheels provides more stability, while revert tricks are often easier on a smaller, lighter skateboard. Experiment with different setups to find what works best for you.
Wearing appropriate safety gear
Skateboarding can be physically demanding and occasionally risky, so it’s essential to prioritize safety. Always wear a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards to protect yourself from potential injuries. Investing in quality safety gear will provide you with the confidence and peace of mind to try new tricks and progress your skills without unnecessary risk.
Finding a suitable skateboarding location
When practicing pivot and revert tricks, it’s important to find a skateboarding location that suits your skill level and goals. Look for skate parks or open areas where you can freely practice without obstructions or safety hazards. As a beginner, it may be helpful to start in a less crowded area to build your confidence before advancing to busier skateboarding spots.
Learning Pivot Tricks
Mastering the kickturn
The kickturn is an essential pivot trick that every skateboarder should learn. To master this trick, start by riding at a comfortable speed and placing your front foot close to the front bolts of the skateboard. Apply gentle pressure to the tail with your back foot by slightly lifting your toes, causing the board to pivot on the back wheels. As you rotate, use your shoulders and hips to guide the turn, and remember to keep your weight centered to maintain stability. Practice kickturns in both directions until you feel confident and comfortable executing the maneuver.
Practicing stationary pivots
Once you’ve become proficient in kickturns, you can progress to practicing stationary pivots. Find a smooth surface or skate plaza where you can stand still and focus on rotating your board without rolling. Start by placing your feet in the kickturn position, using your shoulders and hips to initiate the rotation. Gradually increase the angle of the pivot and work on maintaining balance throughout the maneuver. This exercise will help you develop stronger control over the skateboard’s movement and improve your overall stability during pivot tricks.
Performing rolling pivots
Once you feel comfortable with stationary pivots, it’s time to take your pivot tricks to the next level by performing them while rolling. Start by gaining some speed and gradually shifting your weight to initiate the pivot. Remember to keep your front foot close to the front bolts and your shoulders and hips engaged in the rotation. As you progress, experiment with different speeds and angles to discover your preferred style and level of difficulty. Rolling pivots will enhance your ability to flow through transitions and execute more advanced tricks.
Learning Revert Tricks
Mastering the tic-tac technique
The tic-tac technique is a fundamental skill that forms the basis of revert tricks. To master this technique, start by riding at a moderate speed and shifting your weight from side to side to generate small turns. Use the balls of your feet to apply pressure to the edges of your skateboard, initiating the tic-tac motion. Focus on maintaining a fluid motion while tic-tacking, and as you become more comfortable, gradually increase the intensity and speed of your turns. This technique will help you build the necessary momentum and control required for executing revert tricks.
Building speed for reverts
To successfully execute revert tricks, it’s important to build speed before initiating the trick. As you ride, focus on pumping your legs and shifting your weight to generate momentum. Use your arms to create a pumping motion while maintaining your balance and control. By mastering the art of building speed, you’ll have a solid foundation for executing smooth and impactful revert tricks.
Executing the revert
Now that you’ve honed your tic-tac technique and built up sufficient speed, it’s time to execute the revert. Start by approaching a comfortable spot and apply pressure to the back foot to pop the tail of the skateboard. As the skateboard lifts, swiftly turn your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to spin the board. Focus on keeping your eyes locked on your board and landing with the opposite foot in front. With practice, you’ll be able to execute reverts seamlessly and add a unique flair to your skateboarding repertoire.
Progressing in Pivot and Revert Tricks
Experimenting with different pivot and revert variations
Once you feel confident in your basic pivot and revert tricks, it’s time to start experimenting with different variations. Get creative and explore new ways to spin and combine these tricks. Try adding grabs, rotations, or even grinding elements to enhance the difficulty and style of your maneuvers. Embrace your individuality and let your creativity shine by incorporating your unique touch into these tricks.
Combining pivot and revert tricks
As you progress in your pivot and revert tricks, you’ll inevitably discover the joy of combining these maneuvers. Experiment with pivot tricks that seamlessly transition into revert tricks, or vice versa. This not only adds diversity to your skateboarding routine but also showcases your mastery of both techniques. By combining these tricks, you’ll create a dynamic and captivating performance that will leave a lasting impression on spectators.
Adding style and creativity to your tricks
Skateboarding is not just about executing tricks; it’s also about expressing yourself through style and creativity. As you continue to improve in pivot and revert tricks, focus on developing your personal style. Pay attention to the subtleties of body movements, arm positioning, and the way you land. Incorporate your flair and unique interpretation into each trick, and remember that skateboarding is an art form that allows you to showcase your individuality.
Common Challenges and Tips
Overcoming fear and building confidence
Skateboarding can be intimidating, especially when attempting new tricks. Overcoming fear and building confidence is a crucial aspect of progressing in pivot and revert tricks. Start by practicing in a comfortable and controlled environment, gradually increasing the level of difficulty as you become more confident. Remember to trust yourself and your abilities, and embrace the inevitable falls and failures as opportunities for growth. With time and perseverance, your confidence will soar, allowing you to tackle more challenging tricks with ease.
Dealing with falling and injuries
While skateboarding, the risk of falling and sustaining injuries is always present. Learning how to fall safely is an essential skill that every skateboarder should master. Practice rolling out of falls, tucking and rolling to distribute the impact and minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, make sure to consistently wear your safety gear, including a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards, to protect yourself from potential harm. In case of a severe fall or persistent pain, never hesitate to seek medical attention or consult a healthcare professional.
Seeking guidance from experienced skateboarders
Skateboarding is a community-driven sport, and seeking guidance from experienced skateboarders can be immensely helpful in your journey. Attend local skateboarding events or join skateboarding groups to connect with seasoned riders who can offer advice, techniques, and mentors. Their insights and knowledge can enhance your learning experience and accelerate your progress in pivot and revert tricks.
Staying Motivated and Consistent
Setting achievable goals
To stay motivated and progress in pivot and revert tricks, it’s essential to set achievable goals. Start by identifying specific tricks or variations that you want to learn and break them down into manageable steps. Celebrate each small milestone and use it as momentum to keep pushing yourself further. By setting realistic goals, you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment, which will fuel your motivation to continue practicing and improving.
Practicing regularly and consistently
Consistency is key when it comes to mastering any skill, including pivot and revert tricks. Make it a habit to allocate dedicated time for skateboarding practice regularly. Designate specific days and times, and stick to them as much as possible. By ingraining consistent practice in your routine, you’ll notice significant progress and improvement in your pivot and revert tricks over time.
Surrounding yourself with a supportive skateboarding community
Having a supportive skateboarding community can greatly enhance your motivation and overall skateboarding experience. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for skateboarding. Join skateboarding clubs, connect with local skateboarders, and participate in skateboarding events and competitions. By immersing yourself in a supportive community, you’ll receive encouragement, tips, and inspiration, which will fuel your motivation to excel in pivot and revert tricks.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Trying advanced tricks too soon
While it’s exciting to progress quickly and attempt advanced tricks, it’s essential to exercise patience and discipline. Trying advanced tricks before mastering the basics can lead to frustration and increase the risk of injuries. Ensure that you have a strong foundation in fundamental skateboard skills before advancing to more complex tricks. By building a solid skill set, you’ll be better equipped to tackle advanced maneuvers safely and confidently.
Neglecting proper technique and form
Proper technique and form are fundamental to executing tricks effectively and maintaining control on your skateboard. Avoid the common mistake of neglecting technique in favor of solely focusing on achieving the desired outcome. Take the time to understand the mechanics of each trick and practice proper body positioning, weight distribution, and foot placement. By prioritizing technique, you’ll develop a solid foundation that will enhance your overall skateboarding abilities.
Ignoring safety precautions
Skateboarding can be exhilarating, but it’s essential to prioritize safety at all times. Ignoring safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear or skateboarding in hazardous areas, can lead to severe injuries. Always wear a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards to protect yourself during skateboarding sessions. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and practice in designated areas that are suitable for skateboarding. Safety should always be a top priority in all aspects of skateboarding.
Expanding Your Skateboarding Knowledge
Learning from professional skateboarders
Professional skateboarders have honed their skills through countless hours of practice and experience. Take advantage of various resources available, such as interviews, documentaries, and online content featuring professional skateboarders. Study their techniques, observe their style, and learn from their experiences. By expanding your knowledge and incorporating insights from professionals, you’ll gain valuable wisdom that can elevate your pivot and revert tricks.
Watching tutorial videos and reading skateboarding magazines
Tutorial videos and skateboarding magazines are excellent resources for expanding your skateboarding knowledge. Online platforms offer a vast selection of tutorial videos that break down tricks and provide step-by-step instructions. Similarly, skateboarding magazines feature articles, interviews, and trick breakdowns that can inspire and inform your journey. Make use of these resources to continually learn and stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in skateboarding.
Attending skateboarding events and competitions
Attending skateboarding events and competitions is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the skateboarding culture and witness top-tier talent in action. These events provide opportunities to network with fellow skateboarders, watch impressive performances, and gain valuable insights from seasoned professionals. By actively engaging in the skateboarding community and participating in events, you’ll expand your horizons and foster a deeper connection with the sport.
In conclusion, mastering pivot and revert tricks requires patience, dedication, and a commitment to honing your skills. By starting with the basics, understanding the techniques involved, and gradually progressing, you can develop a strong foundation in pivot and revert tricks. Remember to prioritize safety, seek guidance from experienced skateboarders, and stay motivated through goal setting and consistent practice. Embrace the challenges, have fun, and let your creativity soar as you embark on your journey to mastering the exhilarating world of skateboard pivot and revert tricks.
