Have you ever watched a skateboarder effortlessly spin their board beneath their feet and wondered how they do it? The pop shove-it is one of those classic tricks that looks incredibly cool and marks a milestone in your skateboarding journey. It’s a trick that’s all about style and finesse but isn’t as daunting as some might think. With the right guidance, even you can master this slick maneuver.
What is a Pop Shove-it?
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of executing the pop shove-it, it’s important to understand what exactly this trick involves. The pop shove-it is a skateboard trick where the board spins 180 degrees beneath you without the need for your feet to directly guide its rotation. It’s a staple trick in the street skating arsenal and is often a stepping stone to more advanced tricks.
Why Master the Pop Shove-it?
The pop shove-it isn’t just about looking cool; it builds foundational skills that pave the way for more advanced techniques. It combines elements of timing, balance, and board control, all of which are key skills in skateboarding. Mastering it can give you the confidence to tackle more complex tricks and maneuvers in the future.
Getting Started: Essential Gear
Before you even set foot on your skateboard, make sure you have the right gear. Skateboarding can be risky, so having appropriate equipment is paramount.
Skateboard
A suitable skateboard is crucial. A deck that feels comfortable under your feet will make a world of difference. Ensure your board isn’t worn out, especially the grip tape, as it needs to offer good traction for your feet.
- Deck Size: Choose a width that matches your shoe size. Wider boards offer more stability, while narrower boards are more responsive for tricks.
- Trucks and Wheels: Make sure your trucks aren’t too tight or too loose. Wheels should be appropriate for the surface you’re riding on.
Safety Gear
Falling is an inevitable part of skateboarding, but proper protection can prevent injuries.
- Helmet: Protects your most important asset—your brain!
- Knee and Elbow Pads: Especially useful while learning, as spills can be frequent.
- Wrist Guards: Protect your wrists in case of a forward fall.
Basic Skills: Pre-requisites for the Pop Shove-it
Before attempting a pop shove-it, ensure you’re comfortable with some basic skateboarding skills.
Balance and Riding
Proficiency in basic riding is essential. You should be able to push off smoothly and maintain balance while cruising.
Ollie
While a pop shove-it doesn’t require a full ollie, understanding the ollie motion helps. This involves popping the tail of your board and jumping up simultaneously.
Step-by-Step: How to Pop Shove-it
Now that you’re equipped and ready, let’s break down the pop shove-it trick step by step. Remember, practice is key, and each attempt moves you closer to mastering the trick.
Step 1: Setup Your Stance
Start with a comfortable stance. Your front foot should be near the middle of the board with your toes pointing slightly forward. Your back foot should be on the tail.
- Front Foot Positioning: Offers control over the board’s spin action.
- Back Foot Positioning: Responsible for the popping action and directing the board’s movement.
Step 2: The Pop
The pop is a quick but powerful motion that sets the trick in motion. Push down hard with your back foot to pop the tail off the ground while simultaneously jumping up.
Step 3: Shove-it Motion
As you pop, your back foot should perform a slight scoop motion, directing the board to spin 180 degrees underneath you. The board should rotate horizontally, not flip.
Step 4: Control and Hover
As the board spins, keep your eyes on its movement and be ready to catch it with your feet. You don’t need to kick excessively; a gentle guiding motion will be sufficient.
Step 5: Land the Trick
The landing is all about timing and control. Get both feet over the bolts as the board completes its rotation and prepares for landing. Bend your knees slightly upon landing to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
It’s perfectly normal to encounter some challenges while learning the pop shove-it. Let’s discuss some of the common mistakes and how to fix them.
The Board Flips
If your board flips during the spin, you might be scooping too hard with your back foot. Try to relax and reduce the force.
Unstable Landing
If you’re having trouble landing with stability, focus on keeping your weight centered and over the board during the trick. Adjust your foot placement until it feels right.
The Board Doesn’t Spin Enough
Failing to complete a full 180-degree spin might be due to insufficient scoop or pop. Practice your timing and coordination between the scoop and jumping action.
Tips and Tricks for Success
While practice makes perfect, here are some tips to streamline your learning process.
Record Your Attempts
Recording your attempts on video can provide valuable insights. You can analyze your movements and correct any missteps more effectively.
Practice on Smooth Surfaces
Practicing on smooth and level surfaces will reduce obstacles and distractions and help you focus on perfecting the trick.
Incremental Progress
Don’t aim for perfection right away. Celebrate small victories, like simply completing the spin, before moving on to the perfect landing.
Building Confidence with the Pop Shove-it
Confidence is key when learning new tricks. As you practice, your proficiency will breed confidence, encouraging you to try more complex tricks.
Progression in Skateboarding
After mastering the pop shove-it, the door opens to numerous other tricks that build upon similar motions, such as varial flips and 360 shove-its.
Create Your Style
As you become more comfortable with the pop shove-it, you’ll start to develop your unique style. Experiment with foot positioning and spinning speed to personalize the trick.
The Social Aspect of Skateboarding
Skateboarding is not just an individual sport; it’s a community-driven pastime that encourages sharing and collective learning.
Join a Skate Crew
Engaging with a local skate crew or community can provide support, tips, and motivation. Learning alongside others can make practicing more enjoyable and less daunting.
Friendly Competitions
Participating in friendly competitions or sessions at your local skate park can offer a chance to test your skills. You might pick up new tricks or even develop a few improvements on the pop shove-it.
Keeping Safe While Practicing
Safety should always be a priority when skateboarding. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while practicing.
Warm-Up Exercises
Before hitting the board, warm up with exercises like stretching and light jogging to prevent injuries.
Know Your Limits
Push yourself, but be aware of your limits. Take breaks if you start feeling fatigued, as this can affect your coordination and increase the risk of falls.
Maintain Your Gear
Regularly check your skateboard for wear and tear. Worn grip tape, damaged wheels, or loose trucks can make tricks more challenging and increase the risk of accidents.
Conclusion
Learning how to do a pop shove-it on a skateboard is a rewarding endeavor that involves practice, patience, and perseverance. By following the steps detailed here and maintaining a steady practice schedule, you’ll be performing this trick with finesse in no time.
The journey to mastering the pop shove-it isn’t only about achieving a cool skateboarding trick but also about developing skills that will serve as the foundation for future skateboarding adventures. Remember to enjoy the process, and don’t shy away from adding your unique flair to the trick.
Remember, every skater started where you are now, and each attempt is a step closer to nailing that perfect pop shove-it. Happy skating!
