So you’ve just picked up a skateboard and you’re eager to start trying out some tricks? Whether you’re a complete newbie or have a little bit of experience under your belt, mastering the basics is crucial for building a solid foundation in skateboarding. In this article, we will explore some of the essential skateboard tricks that are perfect for beginners. From the ollie to the kickflip, get ready to embark on a skateboarding journey filled with excitement and progression.
Ollie
Description
The ollie is one of the most fundamental skateboard tricks that every beginner should master. It involves popping the skateboard into the air and then leveling it out before landing back on all four wheels. Mastering the ollie will not only make you feel like a true skateboarder, but it will also serve as the foundation for many other tricks.
Steps
To perform an ollie, follow these steps:
- Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart on the skateboard.
- Bend your knees slightly and crouch down.
- With your back foot, pop the tail of the skateboard down onto the ground.
- As the tail hits the ground, quickly slide your front foot upwards towards the nose of the skateboard.
- As you slide your front foot up, jump off the ground and lift your back foot.
- Level out the skateboard in the air by pushing your front foot forward.
- Land back on the skateboard with both feet over the bolts, keeping your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the ollie:
- Practice the ollie motion without actually jumping first. Focus on getting the pop and slide right before adding the jump.
- Start practicing on a smooth and flat surface to gain stability.
- Keep your weight centered over the skateboard to maintain balance.
- Don’t forget to bend your knees when landing to absorb the impact.
- It may take some time and practice to get the timing right, so be patient with yourself.
Kickturn
Description
The kickturn is a basic maneuver that allows you to change direction while still moving. It involves lifting your front wheels off the ground and pivoting on your back wheels to make a smooth turn. This trick is essential for navigating around obstacles and exploring different skateboarding terrain.
Steps
To perform a kickturn, follow these steps:
- Start by riding on your skateboard at a comfortable speed.
- Gradually shift your weight towards your back foot while bending your knees.
- Lift your front wheels slightly off the ground by extending your front leg.
- Pivot on your back wheels by using your toes and the ball of your foot.
- Turn your hips and shoulders in the direction you want to go.
- As you complete the turn, gently lower your front wheels back onto the ground.
- Continue riding in the new direction.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the kickturn:
- Start practicing on a flat and smooth surface with plenty of space.
- Keep your weight centered over the skateboard for better control.
- Use small, controlled movements to execute the turn smoothly.
- Remember to look in the direction you want to go and use your upper body to initiate the turn.
- Practice kickturns in both directions to become more versatile.
Manual
Description
The manual is a trick that involves balancing on your back wheels while keeping the front wheels off the ground. It requires a combination of balance, control, and core strength. Learning how to manual will improve your overall stability on the skateboard and open the door to more advanced tricks.
Steps
To perform a manual, follow these steps:
- Start by riding on your skateboard at a moderate speed.
- Gradually shift your weight towards your back foot.
- Lean back slightly and lift your front wheels off the ground by extending your front leg.
- Keep your body balanced and aligned over the back wheels.
- Use small adjustments in your body position and weight distribution to maintain the manual.
- When you’re ready to end the manual, gently shift your weight towards the front foot and lower the front wheels back onto the ground.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the manual:
- Start with short manuals and gradually increase the distance as you gain confidence and balance.
- Keep your eyes focused on a fixed point ahead to help with balance.
- Engage your core muscles to maintain stability.
- Experiment with shifting your weight and finding the sweet spot for balancing.
- Practice on a smooth and flat surface before trying manuals on different terrains.
Powerslide
Description
The powerslide is a stylish and functional trick that allows you to come to a quick stop or initiate a controlled slide. It involves sliding your wheels sideways while keeping your body balanced on the skateboard. Mastering the powerslide will give you more control over your speed and enhance your overall skateboarding skills.
Steps
To perform a powerslide, follow these steps:
- Start by riding on your skateboard at a moderate speed.
- Shift your weight slightly towards your back foot.
- With your front foot, gently press down on the heel edge of the skateboard.
- As you press down, use your back foot to kick out the back wheels and initiate the slide.
- Keep your body centered and balanced over the skateboard while sliding.
- Use your arms and upper body to maintain stability.
- To end the powerslide, gradually release the pressure on your front foot and bring the wheels back to their original position.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the powerslide:
- Start practicing on a smooth surface with enough space to slide comfortably.
- Keep your weight centered over the skateboard to maintain balance.
- Experiment with different amounts of pressure and angles to find the slide that works best for you.
- Use your arms and upper body to help initiate and control the slide.
- Be cautious when sliding on wet or slippery surfaces as it may affect your control.
Shove-It
Description
The shove-it is a fun and stylish trick that involves spinning the board 180 degrees under your feet without any contact with your hands. It requires a combination of footwork and coordination. Once you master the shove-it, you’ll be able to add a unique flair to your skateboarding repertoire.
Steps
To perform a shove-it, follow these steps:
- Start by riding on your skateboard at a comfortable speed.
- Place your back foot angled slightly towards the tail of the skateboard.
- Use your front foot to scoop the skateboard towards the heel-side edge.
- As you scoop, jump slightly off the ground and spin your body 180 degrees in the same direction.
- Simultaneously, use your back foot to flick the tail of the skateboard in the opposite direction of the spin.
- Allow the board to rotate 180 degrees under your feet.
- As the board completes the rotation, prepare to land back on it by bringing your feet over the bolts.
- Bend your knees to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the shove-it:
- Start practicing on a smooth and flat surface to gain stability.
- Focus on the timing and coordination between the scoop, jump, and flick.
- As you gain confidence, try to spin the board with more speed and height.
- Keep your eyes focused on the board to maintain control.
- Practice landing with both feet over the bolts to ensure a stable landing.
Frontside 180
Description
The frontside 180 is a trick that involves spinning the skateboard 180 degrees in the direction you are facing. It’s a foundational trick that opens the door to more advanced spins and rotations. Learning the frontside 180 will enhance your overall skateboarding abilities and add a stylish element to your tricks.
Steps
To perform a frontside 180, follow these steps:
- Start by riding on your skateboard at a comfortable speed with your feet positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- As you approach the point where you want to initiate the trick, start preparing your body and mind for the spin.
- Place your back foot on the tail of the skateboard and slightly shift your weight towards the back foot.
- Use your front foot to initiate the spin by turning your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to spin.
- As you start the spin, jump slightly off the ground while dragging your back foot on the tail to help initiate the rotation.
- While in the air, keep your eyes focused on the direction of the spin to maintain control.
- As the board completes the 180-degree spin, prepare to land back on it by aligning your feet over the bolts.
- Bend your knees upon landing to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the frontside 180:
- Start practicing on a flat and smooth surface with plenty of space to gain confidence and stability.
- Focus on the timing and coordination between the jump, spin, and landing.
- Use your shoulders and hips to initiate the spin and maintain control throughout the trick.
- Practice spinning both frontside and backside to become more versatile.
- As you progress, try to add more speed and height to the trick for a more impressive result.
Backside 180
Description
The backside 180 is a trick that involves spinning the skateboard 180 degrees in the opposite direction you are facing. It’s a fundamental trick that showcases your rotational abilities on the skateboard. Mastering the backside 180 will enhance your overall skateboarding skills and provide a solid foundation for more advanced spins and rotations.
Steps
To perform a backside 180, follow these steps:
- Start by riding on your skateboard at a comfortable speed with your feet positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- As you approach the point where you want to initiate the trick, begin preparing your body and mind for the spin.
- Place your back foot on the tail of the skateboard and slightly shift your weight towards the back foot.
- Use your front foot to initiate the spin by turning your shoulders and hips in the opposite direction you want to spin.
- As you start the spin, jump slightly off the ground while dragging your back foot on the tail to help initiate the rotation.
- While in the air, keep your eyes focused on the direction of the spin to maintain control.
- As the board completes the 180-degree spin, prepare to land back on it by aligning your feet over the bolts.
- Bend your knees upon landing to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the backside 180:
- Start practicing on a flat and smooth surface with enough space to gain confidence and stability.
- Focus on the timing and coordination between the jump, spin, and landing.
- Use your shoulders and hips to initiate the spin and maintain control throughout the trick.
- Practice spinning both frontside and backside to become more versatile.
- As you progress, try to add more speed and height to the trick for a more impressive result.
Pop Shove-It
Description
The pop shove-it is a trick that involves popping the skateboard into the air while simultaneously spinning it 180 degrees in a shove-it motion. It’s an intermediate trick that combines elements from the ollie and shove-it. Learning the pop shove-it will add a level of complexity to your skateboarding skills and impress your friends.
Steps
To perform a pop shove-it, follow these steps:
- Start by riding on your skateboard at a moderate speed with your feet positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Place your back foot with the toes hanging off the edge of the skateboard’s tail.
- Position your front foot slightly angled and centered on the skateboard.
- Bend your knees and crouch down to prepare for the trick.
- As you’re ready to initiate the trick, use your back foot to pop the tail of the skateboard down onto the ground.
- At the same time, use your front foot to scoop the skateboard in a forward and diagonal direction.
- As the board starts to pop and spin, jump slightly off the ground to allow the board to rotate underneath you.
- Keep your eyes focused on the board to maintain control throughout the trick.
- As the board completes the 180-degree spin, prepare to land back on it by aligning your feet over the bolts.
- Bend your knees upon landing to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the pop shove-it:
- Start practicing on a flat and smooth surface with enough space to gain stability.
- Focus on the timing and coordination between the pop, scoop, and jump.
- Use your shoulders and hips to initiate the spin and maintain control throughout the trick.
- Practice landing with both feet over the bolts for a stable landing.
- Experiment with different amounts of pop and scoop for varying heights and distances.
No Comply
Description
The no comply is a trick that involves using your back foot to manipulate the skateboard while your front foot stays planted on the ground. It’s a versatile trick that can be combined with other tricks and adds a unique dynamic to your skateboarding style. Learning the no comply will increase your creativity and make you stand out as a skateboarder.
Steps
To perform a no comply, follow these steps:
- Start by standing on your skateboard with your feet positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Shift your weight more towards your front foot to prepare for the trick.
- With your back foot, lift up the tail of the skateboard to create some clearance between the ground and the back wheels.
- As you lift the tail, quickly place your back foot on the ground behind the skateboard.
- Pivot your back foot and push off the ground, using it as leverage to flick the skateboard upwards.
- Use your front foot to guide the board and catch it as it comes back down.
- As the board descends, prepare to land back on it by aligning your feet over the bolts.
- Bend your knees upon landing to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the no comply:
- Start practicing on a flat and smooth surface to gain stability and control.
- Focus on the timing and coordination between the push-off, flick, and landing.
- Keep your front foot planted firmly on the ground to provide stability and control.
- Use your arms and upper body to help with balance and guide the skateboard.
- Experiment with different foot positions and angles to find what works best for you.
Boneless
Description
The boneless is a trick that involves taking your front foot off the skateboard and using it to grab the board while your back foot maintains control. It’s a classic trick that showcases your agility and adds a stylish flair to your skateboarding. Learning the boneless will open the door to more advanced grabs and tricks.
Steps
To perform a boneless, follow these steps:
- Start by riding on your skateboard at a comfortable speed.
- As you approach the point where you want to initiate the trick, start preparing your body and mind for the grab.
- Lift your back foot slightly off the skateboard, shifting your weight towards your front foot.
- With your front hand, reach down and grab the skateboard between the front and middle trucks.
- Simultaneously, lift your front foot off the skateboard and extend it outwards while maintaining the grab.
- Allow the skateboard to hang in the air as you execute the grab.
- As the board starts to descend, prepare to land back on it by aligning your feet over the bolts.
- Bend your knees upon landing to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you master the boneless:
- Start practicing on a flat and smooth surface with enough space to gain stability.
- Focus on the timing and coordination between the grab, lift, and landing.
- Practice grabbing the skateboard between the trucks to ensure a secure grip.
- Keep your eyes focused on the skateboard throughout the trick for better control.
- Experiment with different grab variations and foot positions to add your personal style.
Now that you have a comprehensive guide to the basic skateboard tricks for beginners, it’s time to get out there and start practicing! Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear and start with the tricks that feel comfortable for you. With time, patience, and dedication, you’ll be mastering these tricks and moving on to more advanced ones in no time. Keep pushing yourself, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of skateboarding!