Skateboarding is all about defying gravity and showcasing your skills, but before you can attempt the complex maneuvers and jaw-dropping tricks, it’s important to lay down a solid foundation. In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of skateboard flatground tricks and discover the key techniques that will set you up for success. Whether you’re a beginner learning your first ollie or an experienced skater honing your kickflips, we have all the tips and tricks you need to take your flatground game to the next level. So grab your skateboard, put on your helmet, and get ready to master the art of skateboarding! Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport and mastering the basics is essential to becoming a skilled skateboarder. In this article, we will delve into the fundamentals of some of the most popular flatground tricks. From foot placement to landing techniques, we will guide you through each step to help you progress in your skateboarding journey.
Basics of Skateboarding
Before diving into the individual tricks, it’s crucial to understand the basics of skateboarding. This includes foot placement, balance, weight distribution, and stance.
Foot Placement
The way you position your feet on the skateboard plays a significant role in performing tricks. For most flatground tricks, having your front foot positioned across the skateboard’s bolts with the toes angled slightly towards the nose is a good starting point. Your back foot is typically placed on the tail of the skateboard with the toes pointed towards the tail.
Balance and Weight Distribution
Maintaining balance while riding is vital for successful trick execution. By evenly distributing your weight between both feet, you’ll be able to control the skateboard effectively. It’s important to note that some tricks may require specific weight shifts to achieve optimal results.
Stance
Determining your skateboard stance is crucial for stability and control. Most skateboarders choose either a regular stance (with the left foot leading) or a goofy stance (with the right foot leading). Experimenting with both stances will help you discover your preference and enhance your overall skateboarding experience.
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s jump into the exciting world of flatground tricks.
The Ollie
The Ollie is the foundation for many skateboard tricks and is often the first trick beginners learn. Mastering this fundamental trick will open the door to an array of advanced maneuvers.
Foot Positioning
To perform an Ollie, start by placing your back foot on the tail as mentioned earlier. Your front foot should be positioned in the middle of the skateboard, just behind the front bolts.
Pop and Slide
The Ollie begins with a quick and forceful pop of the tail, which creates a spring-like effect. Simultaneously, slide your front foot forward to level the skateboard in the air. This action will maintain the board’s stability and maximize its height.
Jumping and Landing
As the skateboard rises, jump up with the board. Bringing your knees towards your chest helps to increase your height. Once airborne, your main focus should be on keeping the board level. Then, as you descend, prepare yourself to land with both feet on the bolts, ready to ride away smoothly.
Kickflip
The kickflip is a dynamic trick that adds flair to your skateboarding repertoire. It involves flipping the skateboard in mid-air while executing an Ollie.
Foot Positioning
For a kickflip, start with the same foot positioning as the Ollie. However, instead of sliding your front foot forward to level the board, position it slightly angled to the side for the flip.
Pop and Flick
Similar to the Ollie, begin with a powerful pop of the tail. This time, as you slide your front foot forward, quickly and forcefully kick the side of the nose with your toes. This flicking motion will spin the skateboard in a horizontal fashion.
Catch and Landing
As the board completes the flip, keep your eyes focused on it to prepare for the catch. As it rotates back towards the ground, aim to catch it with your back foot. Finally, land with both feet on the bolts and maintain your balance as you roll away.
Heelflip
The heelflip is another popular trick that showcases a unique flipping motion. While similar to the kickflip, the flip is executed with the heel of your front foot instead of the toes.
Foot Positioning
Begin with the familiar foot placement for tricks like the Ollie and kickflip. Position your front foot at a slight angle with the heel hanging slightly off the edge of the skateboard for the necessary leverage.
Pop and Flick
As with the previous tricks, initiate the heelflip by popping the tail forcefully. Simultaneously, slide your front foot forward and flick the skateboard’s edge with your heel. This flicking motion will cause the skateboard to rotate in a horizontal manner, similar to the kickflip.
Catch and Landing
As the board completes the flip, keep your eyes on it and prepare to catch it with your back foot. Aim to connect with the board while it’s still in mid-air, ensuring that you can land with both feet on the bolts. Maintain your balance throughout, and enjoy the smooth ride away.
Frontside 180
The frontside 180 is an essential trick that adds style and creativity to your skateboarding. As the name suggests, it involves executing a 180-degree rotation while riding in a frontside direction.
Foot Positioning
Begin by positioning your feet as you would for an Ollie. Make sure to angle your shoulders and hips slightly towards your back foot, ready for the rotation.
Ollie and Shoulder Turn
First, execute an Ollie while simultaneously turning your shoulders in the desired frontside direction. To initiate the rotation, use your shoulders as a guide and lead the way.
Landing and Riding Away
As you reach the peak of your Ollie, spot your landing and prepare to complete the rotation. Extend your legs to absorb the impact as you rotate. Once you’ve completed the full frontside 180, land with your feet on the bolts and regain control to ride away smoothly.
Backside 180
Similar to the frontside 180, the backside 180 introduces a 180-degree rotation while riding in a backside direction. This trick showcases your ability to control the board throughout the rotation.
Foot Positioning
Position your feet as you would for an Ollie, but this time, angle your shoulders and hips towards your front foot.
Ollie and Shoulder Turn
Begin with an Ollie, focusing on the rotation. To execute the backside 180, turn your shoulders and hips in the desired backside direction while in mid-air.
Landing and Riding Away
As you peak the Ollie, spot your landing and prepare to complete the rotation. Extend your legs to absorb the impact as you complete the full rotation. Aim to land with both feet on the bolts and regain control to ride away confidently.
Pop Shove-It
The pop shove-it is a stylish trick that involves spinning the skateboard 180 degrees beneath you while it simultaneously pops into the air.
Foot Positioning
Position your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with your front foot angled diagonally across the board’s nose. Place your back foot on the tail with the toes hanging off the edge.
Pop and Scoop
Initiate the trick by popping the tail of the skateboard forcefully. Simultaneously, use your back foot to scoop the tail in a sideways motion. This action generates the rotational force needed for the pop shove-it.
Catch and Landing
As the skateboard spins, keep your eyes focused on it to prepare for the catch. Aim to catch the skateboard with your back foot as it completes the rotation. As always, land with both feet on the bolts and regain control to ride away smoothly.
Varial Kickflip
The varial kickflip combines elements of the kickflip and the pop shove-it, resulting in a unique and impressive trick that showcases your technical skills.
Foot Positioning
Begin with the same foot positioning as the kickflip. Your front foot should be angled diagonally across the nose, while your back foot is placed on the tail, ready to pop and flick.
Pop and Scoop
Start by popping the tail with force, similar to the pop shove-it. As you pop, use your back foot to scoop the skateboard sideways, just like the pop shove-it motion. The combination of the pop and scoop creates a flip and spin simultaneously.
Catch and Landing
As the skateboard completes the flip and spin, keep your eyes focused on it to prepare for the catch. Aim to catch the skateboard with your back foot once it has fully rotated. Land with both feet on the bolts, retain your balance, and confidently ride away.
360 Flip
The 360 flip, also known as the tre flip or the 360 kickflip, is an advanced trick that combines elements of the kickflip and a 360-degree spin.
Foot Positioning
Begin with the same foot positioning as the kickflip or varial kickflip, as these tricks serve as the foundation for the 360 flip. Your front foot is angled diagonally across the nose, and your back foot is positioned on the tail.
Pop and Flick
Start the trick by popping the tail with significant force, just like the kickflip. As you pop, use your back foot to execute a flick similar to the kickflip. However, this time, you will add a slight inward motion to initiate the 360-degree spin.
Catch and Landing
As the skateboard completes the flip and spin, maintain your focus and prepare to catch it with your back foot. Aim to make the connection with the board, landing with both feet on the bolts. Keep your balance throughout the landing and confidently ride away.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is a thrilling sport that offers endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. In this article, we have explored the basics of skateboarding and dived into the fundamentals of some of the most popular flatground tricks. From the essential Ollie to the complex 360 flip, each trick requires practice, dedication, and a deep understanding of foot positioning, pop and flick techniques, and successful landings.
Remember, skateboarding is all about enjoying the process and pushing yourself to achieve new levels of skill. So grab your board, keep practicing, and have fun as you progress on your skateboarding journey.
