Are you ready to take your skateboarding skills to the next level? In this article, we’ll uncover the secret behind mastering skateboard fakie and nollie tricks. Whether you’re a seasoned skater looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner eager to learn the basics, we’ve got you covered. Strap on your helmet, grab your board, and get ready to discover the key to pulling off these impressive tricks with ease and style. Get ready to level up your skateboarding game!
Understanding Fakie and Nollie
Skateboarding is all about learning and mastering various tricks, and two important techniques that every skateboarder should be familiar with are fakie and nollie. These terms refer to riding and performing tricks with your skateboard in different stances, adding versatility and creativity to your skateboarding style.
Definition of fakie
Fakie, also known as riding in “switch” stance, involves riding with your non-dominant foot at the tail of the skateboard and your dominant foot at the nose. This means that if you are regular-footed, your left foot will be at the nose, and if you are goofy-footed, your right foot will be at the nose. Riding fakie allows you to perform tricks while riding in the opposite direction from your usual stance. It adds a whole new dimension to your skateboarding skills and opens up a world of possibilities for trick variations.
Definition of nollie
On the other hand, nollie involves riding with your non-dominant foot at the nose of the skateboard and your dominant foot at the tail. This means that if you are regular-footed, your right foot will be at the tail, and if you are goofy-footed, your left foot will be at the tail. Nollie tricks are essentially the opposite of their regular counterparts, with the primary difference being the foot placement. Riding nollie can be challenging at first, but with practice, it can become a valuable addition to your skateboarding repertoire.
Basic Techniques for Fakie and Nollie
To perform fakie and nollie tricks successfully, it is essential to understand the proper foot placement and weight distribution. These fundamentals will help you maintain balance and control while executing tricks in these stances.
Foot placement for fakie tricks
When it comes to fakie tricks, having the correct foot placement is crucial. Your non-dominant foot should be at the tail, with your toes hanging over the edge slightly for better control. Your dominant foot should be placed at the nose, with your toes pointing slightly backward to maintain stability. This positioning allows you to initiate and control the trick effectively.
Foot placement for nollie tricks
In nollie tricks, foot placement is the opposite of fakie tricks. Your non-dominant foot should be at the nose, similar to regular ollies, while your dominant foot is positioned at the tail. Make sure your toes are hanging slightly over the edge for optimal control. This foot placement gives you the leverage and balance needed to execute nollie tricks smoothly.
Weight distribution in fakie tricks
Maintaining proper weight distribution is essential for fakie tricks. You should evenly distribute your weight across both feet, with slightly more pressure on your front foot (the foot at the nose). This distribution allows for better control over the skateboard and ensures a smooth execution of the trick.
Weight distribution in nollie tricks
Similar to fakie tricks, proper weight distribution is vital in nollie tricks as well. You should evenly distribute your weight across both feet, but with a slightly heavier emphasis on your back foot (the foot at the tail). This will help you generate pop and control the board’s trajectory during the trick.
Maintaining balance in fakie tricks
Maintaining balance is crucial in fakie tricks. To achieve this, focus on keeping your body centered and aligned over the skateboard. Keep your knees slightly bent and your upper body relaxed. By maintaining a low center of gravity and staying balanced, you will be able to execute tricks with stability and control.
Maintaining balance in nollie tricks
In nollie tricks, balance is just as important. To maintain balance, concentrate on keeping your body centered and aligned with the skateboard. Bent knees and a relaxed upper body will assist in stabilizing yourself during the trick. By practicing and developing a strong sense of balance, you will be able to execute nollie tricks with confidence and precision.
Common Fakie Tricks
Once you have a good understanding of the basic techniques for fakie, it’s time to explore some common fakie tricks. These tricks will not only enhance your skills but also impress your friends at the skatepark. Let’s dive into some popular fakie tricks:
Fakie ollie
The fakie ollie is the foundation for many fakie tricks. Start by rolling in the fakie stance, crouch down, and pop the tail of the skateboard with your back foot while sliding your front foot towards the nose. The objective is to level out the skateboard in the air and land with both feet on the bolts. Practice this trick to build confidence and familiarity with riding fakie.
Fakie kickflip
The fakie kickflip is a classic and stylish trick that adds flair to your skateboarding repertoire. From the fakie stance, focus on popping the tail and flicking the edge of the board with your front foot. As the board flips, leave a flicking motion with your front foot, and allow the board to complete a flip before catching it with your back foot. Practice timing and foot placement to achieve the perfect fakie kickflip.
Fakie heelflip
Similar to the fakie kickflip, the fakie heelflip adds a unique spin to your trick arsenal. Start by positioning your feet similarly to the fakie kickflip. However, instead of flicking the board with the front of your foot, use the heel of your front foot to initiate the flip. Allow the board to complete a heelflip, catch it with your back foot, and land smoothly. With practice, this trick will become a stylish addition to your fakie trick repertoire.
Fakie varial flip
The fakie varial flip is a combination of a fakie pop shove-it and a kickflip. Start in the fakie stance and pop the tail as you would for a fakie pop shove-it. As the board rotates in mid-air, use your front foot to flick the edge of the board to initiate the kickflip motion. Catch the board with your back foot and complete the rotation before landing smoothly. This trick requires precision and practice to master its unique combination of movements.
Fakie bigspin
The fakie bigspin combines a fakie pop shove-it and a 180-degree body rotation. Begin in the fakie stance and pop the tail while spinning your body 180 degrees in the desired direction. As the board completes the fakie pop shove-it rotation, catch it with your back foot while maintaining control of your body rotation. Land with both feet on the bolts and continue riding away. This trick requires coordination and control to execute smoothly.
Fakie pop shove-it
The fakie pop shove-it is a fundamental trick that involves spinning the skateboard 180 degrees on its horizontal axis while rolling in the fakie stance. Start by popping the tail and using your back foot to initiate a spinning motion. As the board rotates, aim to catch it with your back foot and land smoothly. Practice this trick to develop your skills and lay the foundation for more advanced fakie tricks.
Common Nollie Tricks
Now that you have a grasp on basic nollie techniques, it’s time to explore some common nollie tricks. These tricks will help you refine your nollie skills and add even more variety to your skateboarding style. Let’s take a closer look:
Nollie ollie
Similar to the fakie ollie, the nollie ollie is the foundation of nollie tricks. Begin by rolling in the nollie stance, crouch down, and pop the nose of the skateboard with your front foot while sliding your back foot towards the tail. The objective is to level out the board in the air and land with both feet on the bolts. Practice this trick to gain confidence and become comfortable with riding nollie.
Nollie kickflip
The nollie kickflip is a stylish variation of the kickflip performed in the nollie stance. Start by positioning your feet similar to the nollie ollie. As you pop the nose with your front foot, flick the edge of the board with the front side of your foot to initiate the kickflip motion. Allow the board to complete a flip before catching it with your back foot and landing smoothly. With practice, the nollie kickflip will become a visually appealing trick in your skill set.
Nollie heelflip
In the nollie heelflip, you combine the nollie ollie with a heelflip motion. Begin in the nollie stance, similar to the nollie kickflip. Instead of using your front foot to flick the board with the toe side, use the heel of your front foot to initiate the flip. Allow the board to complete a heelflip, catch it with your back foot, and land the trick gracefully. This trick adds diversity to your nollie tricks and showcases your technical prowess.
Nollie varial flip
Similar to the fakie varial flip, the nollie varial flip combines a nollie pop shove-it with a kickflip. Start in the nollie stance and pop the nose as you would for a nollie pop shove-it. As the board rotates, flick the edge of the board with your front foot to initiate the kickflip motion. Catch the board with your back foot and complete the rotation before landing smoothly. Practice the timing and foot placement to perfect this impressive nollie trick.
Nollie bigspin
The nollie bigspin involves combining a nollie pop shove-it with a 180-degree body rotation. Begin in the nollie stance and pop the nose of the skateboard while spinning your body 180 degrees in the desired direction. Once the board completes the nollie pop shove-it rotation, catch it with your back foot while maintaining control of your body rotation. Land with both feet on the bolts and continue riding away. This trick requires coordination and control to execute seamlessly.
Nollie pop shove-it
The nollie pop shove-it is a foundational nollie trick that involves spinning the skateboard 180 degrees on its horizontal axis while rolling in the nollie stance. Start by popping the nose and using your front foot to initiate the spinning motion. As the board rotates, aim to catch it with your back foot and land smoothly. Practice this trick to enhance your nollie abilities and gain confidence in executing more complex nollie tricks.
Advanced Techniques for Fakie and Nollie
Once you have mastered the basic techniques and become comfortable with performing fakie and nollie tricks, it’s time to take your skills to the next level. This involves adding rotation to your tricks, combining fakie and nollie tricks, and even switching stances during your tricks.
Adding rotation to fakie tricks
Adding rotation to your fakie tricks can help you showcase your creativity and style. By incorporating a 180-degree or 360-degree spin into your fakie tricks, you can elevate your skateboarding skills. Start by mastering the basic fakie ollie or kickflip, then gradually introduce rotation by using your shoulders and hips to guide the board’s spin. Practice and experiment with different trick variations to find your own unique style.
Adding rotation to nollie tricks
Similar to fakie tricks, adding rotation to your nollie tricks can enhance your performance and impress onlookers. Begin with the foundation of the nollie ollie or kickflip, and then experiment with adding spin to your tricks. Focus on using your shoulders and hips to initiate and guide the rotation of the board. As with any advanced technique, practice is key to mastering these intricate movements.
Combining fakie and nollie tricks
Once you have a solid foundation in both fakie and nollie tricks, combining them can take your skateboarding to the next level. Experiment with performing a fakie trick followed by a nollie trick, or vice versa, seamlessly transitioning between the two stances. This combination adds complexity and a unique flow to your tricks, elevating your style and showcasing your technical abilities. With practice, you can develop smooth transitions and create impressive sequences that will make you stand out as a skateboarder.
Switching stance during fakie and nollie tricks
Switching stance during fakie and nollie tricks is an advanced technique that requires skill, balance, and control. It involves starting a trick in fakie or nollie stance and then transitioning mid-trick to your regular or goofy stance. This technique adds an unexpected element to your tricks, challenging both yourself and your audience. Practice and experimentation are crucial to gaining confidence in switching stance during tricks, as it requires precise timing and coordination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you progress in mastering fakie and nollie tricks, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder your progress. By recognizing these mistakes and actively working to avoid them, you can improve your technique and enhance your skateboarding abilities.
Lack of commitment
One common mistake that holds many skateboarders back is a lack of commitment to the trick. Skating fakie or nollie can be intimidating at first, and it’s easy to hesitate or second-guess yourself. However, committing fully to the trick and following through with your actions is crucial for success. Trust your abilities, focus on the execution, and commit to every trick with confidence.
Incorrect foot placement
Foot placement plays a vital role in successful fakie and nollie tricks. Incorrect foot placement can throw off your balance and hinder your ability to execute the trick properly. Take the time to ensure that your feet are positioned correctly, as described earlier in the article, and make any necessary adjustments. With proper foot placement, you’ll have a solid foundation for executing tricks smoothly and efficiently.
Insufficient speed
Skateboarding tricks rely on momentum and speed. Insufficient speed can make it difficult to execute fakie and nollie tricks properly, leading to awkward landings or failed attempts. Ensure you have enough speed when attempting tricks, especially when learning more advanced and complex maneuvers. Practice riding in fakie or nollie stance with enough speed to consistently land your tricks with confidence.
Improper weight distribution
Improper weight distribution is another common mistake that skateboarders make. Whether it’s leaning too far forward or backward, or favoring one foot too much, incorrect weight distribution can throw off your balance and control. Focus on maintaining a balanced weight distribution during tricks, evenly distributing your weight between your feet, and staying centered over the board. This will help you achieve stability and control throughout your tricks.
Practice Tips for Mastering Fakie and Nollie Tricks
To master fakie and nollie tricks, consistent and focused practice is key. Here are some helpful tips to aid in your progression:
Start with basic tricks
Begin by practicing the foundational tricks, such as fakie ollies and nollie ollies. These tricks provide a solid starting point, allowing you to develop a good understanding of the techniques required for fakie and nollie tricks. Through repetition and practice, you will build the muscle memory and confidence needed to progress to more advanced tricks.
Focus on one trick at a time
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to focus on mastering one trick at a time. Dedicate focused practice sessions to a specific trick, breaking it down into smaller components and working on each part individually. This approach allows you to analyze and refine your technique, gradually improving your skills and building a strong foundation for more challenging tricks.
Film and analyze your attempts
Filming your skateboarding sessions can be a valuable tool for self-analysis and improvement. By capturing your attempts on video, you can review and analyze your technique, looking for areas that need improvement or adjustments. Take note of your foot placement, weight distribution, and body positioning. This visual feedback will help you identify areas for improvement and refine your tricks.
Practice regularly and consistently
Consistency is crucial in skateboarding. Dedicate regular practice time to honing your fakie and nollie tricks. By incorporating skateboarding into your routine and consistently setting aside time for practice, you will see progress more quickly. Regular practice allows your body to develop muscle memory and strengthens the neural connections needed to execute tricks with precision and control.
Building Confidence with Fakie and Nollie
Building confidence in fakie and nollie tricks is essential for progressing and pushing your skateboarding skills further. Here are some strategies to help boost your confidence:
Visualize success
Visualization is a powerful tool for building confidence. Before attempting a trick, take a moment to visualize yourself successfully executing it. Imagine the feeling of landing the trick, envision your body movements, and see yourself riding away with confidence. By visualizing success, you can build mental strength and approach tricks with a positive mindset.
Use progressive learning techniques
Progressive learning techniques involve breaking down complex tricks into smaller, more manageable steps. By starting with the basics and gradually advancing, you build confidence and competence with each incremental progression. This approach allows you to continually build on your existing skills and push your boundaries at a comfortable pace.
Utilize skatepark obstacles
Skatepark obstacles can be excellent tools for building confidence in fakie and nollie tricks. Start with smaller ramps or obstacles and gradually work your way up to more challenging features. As you conquer each obstacle, you’ll gain confidence and develop the skills necessary for more complex tricks. Remember to always prioritize safety and wear protective gear when using skatepark obstacles.
Learn from experienced skaters
Learning from experienced skaters can provide valuable insights and guidance. Connect with the skateboarding community, seek advice from experienced skateboarders, and watch videos of skilled skaters performing fakie and nollie tricks. This exposure to different styles and techniques can inspire you, provide you with new ideas, and help you gain perspective on your own progress.
Safety Precautions and Protective Gear
Skateboarding, like any sport, can carry risks, so it’s crucial to prioritize safety and protect yourself from potential injuries. Here are some safety precautions and protective gear to consider:
Importance of wearing a helmet
Wearing a helmet is essential for protecting your head and minimizing the risk of severe injuries. Choose a helmet specifically designed for skateboarding, with a proper fit and adequate impact protection. Make wearing a helmet a non-negotiable habit whenever you step on your board, regardless of your skill level.
Use of knee and elbow pads
Knee and elbow pads provide cushioning and protection for these vulnerable areas during falls and impacts. They can help prevent cuts, scrapes, and more serious injuries, such as fractures. Invest in quality pads that fit properly and provide sufficient coverage. Their presence will provide peace of mind and enhance your confidence when attempting new tricks or riding challenging terrains.
Protecting wrists with wrist guards
Wrist guards can help prevent wrist injuries by stabilizing and supporting your wrists during impacts or falls. These injuries are common in skateboarding, particularly when attempting tricks that involve hand placement on the ground. Wrist guards come in various styles and designs and are an essential protective gear item for skateboarders of all skill levels.
Conclusion
Mastering fakie and nollie tricks requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to push your limits. By understanding the fundamentals of foot placement, weight distribution, and balance, you set the stage for success. With consistent practice and by avoiding common mistakes, you can progress from basic tricks to more advanced maneuvers. Building confidence in fakie and nollie tricks involves visualizing success, utilizing progressive learning techniques, and learning from experienced skaters. Above all, prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear and practicing in a controlled and safe environment. So, keep practicing, stay focused, and unlock the full potential of fakie and nollie tricks in your skateboarding journey. Happy riding!