Skateboarding Tricks: From Basic to Advanced

Are you looking to take your skateboarding skills to the next level? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through a range of skateboarding tricks, starting from the basic moves and gradually progressing to more advanced techniques. Whether you are a beginner who has just stepped onto a skateboard or an experienced skater looking to expand your trick repertoire, this article has got you covered. Get ready to unlock new possibilities and impress your friends with your skateboarding prowess. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of skateboarding tricks!

Basic Skateboarding Tricks

Ollie

The Ollie is one of the most fundamental skateboarding tricks. It involves lifting both the front and back wheels off the ground simultaneously, allowing the skater to clear obstacles or perform tricks in mid-air. Here are the steps to perform an Ollie:

Start with your feet positioned near the bolts of the skateboard, with your back foot placed on the tail and your front foot angled diagonally near the middle of the deck.
Bend your knees and crouch down slightly, preparing to spring upward.
As you begin to rise, simultaneously pop the tail of the skateboard down with your back foot while sliding your front foot forward towards the nose.
As the tail hits the ground, jump off your back foot, using the sliding motion of your front foot to level out the board in the air.
While in the air, keep your body centered over the skateboard and prepare to land.
Extend your legs to absorb the impact as you land with your knees slightly bent, aiming to land with all four wheels hitting the ground simultaneously.

Mastering the Ollie is crucial for progressing to more advanced tricks, as it forms the foundation for many other maneuvers.

Kickflip

The Kickflip is a trick that adds a stylish flip to the Ollie. It involves flicking the skateboard with your front foot while performing an Ollie, causing the board to spin vertically before landing back on the ground. Follow these steps to perform a Kickflip:

Begin by setting up your feet in the same position as for an Ollie, with your back foot on the tail and your front foot angled diagonally near the middle of the deck.
As you prepare to pop the tail and slide your front foot forward, also simultaneously drag your front foot off the edge of the skateboard, causing it to kick the side of the board.
As the board starts to flip, continue the sliding motion of your front foot to level out the board in the air, just like in an Ollie.
Keep your eyes focused on the board to gauge the rotation and timing of the flip.
As the board completes its rotation, prepare to catch it with your back foot by lifting your front foot up.
Once the board has completed the flip, extend your legs to absorb the impact and land with your knees slightly bent, aiming to land with all four wheels hitting the ground simultaneously.

The Kickflip adds an extra level of difficulty to your skateboarding repertoire and is sure to impress both fellow skaters and spectators.

Manual

The Manual is a trick that involves balancing on the back or front wheels of the skateboard while riding without any contact with the ground. It requires control and finesse to maintain the balance and control the board’s movement. Here’s how to perform a Manual:

Begin by riding at a comfortable speed, with your feet positioned near the bolts of the skateboard.
As you gain momentum, shift your weight towards the back or front of the skateboard, depending on whether you want to perform a manual on the back or front wheels.
To initiate the manual, lift the front or back wheels off the ground by leaning your weight towards the opposite end of the skateboard.
Find your balance point and try to maintain it by making subtle adjustments with your body and feet.
Keep your eyes focused on a fixed point ahead to help with balance.
When you’re ready to end the manual, gradually shift your weight back towards the center of the board and gently lower the lifted wheels back to the ground.

Manuals are a great way to showcase your control and balance while adding variety to your skateboarding routine. Practice maintaining the balance for longer durations to improve your manual skills.

Remember, mastering these basic skateboarding tricks is essential before progressing to more advanced maneuvers. Practice regularly, focus on technique, and most importantly, have fun while pushing the boundaries of your skateboarding abilities!

Intermediate Skateboarding Tricks

Heelflip

The heelflip is a classic intermediate skateboarding trick that involves flipping the skateboard with your heel while simultaneously performing a kickflip motion. To execute a heelflip, position your feet in the ollie position, but with your toes hanging off the edge slightly. Pop the skateboard with your back foot and simultaneously drag your front foot diagonally across the grip tape, flicking your heel off the edge to initiate the flip. As the board rotates, catch it with your back foot and land with both feet over the bolts.

Varial Kickflip

The varial kickflip is another exciting intermediate skateboarding trick that combines elements of a kickflip and a pop shove-it. Start by positioning your feet in the ollie position, with your back foot on the tail and your front foot angled slightly towards the heel edge of the skateboard. Pop the board with your back foot, simultaneously flicking your front foot diagonally towards the nose of the skateboard. As the board flips, use your back foot to scoop and rotate the board horizontally. After the full rotation, catch the board with your back foot and land smoothly.

50-50 Grind

The 50-50 grind is a fundamental intermediate skateboarding trick that involves grinding along a rail or ledge with both trucks of the skateboard. To perform a 50-50 grind, approach the rail or ledge at a moderate speed. As you reach the edge, ollie and position your skateboard so that both trucks make contact with the rail or ledge. Keep your weight centered and balanced over the rail and slide along, maintaining control and stability. To dismount, shift your weight slightly towards the tail of the skateboard and pop off the rail, landing smoothly on the ground.

These intermediate skateboarding tricks require practice, patience, and focus. Remember to always wear proper safety gear and master the basic skateboarding skills before attempting these tricks. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be able to progress from basic to advanced skateboarding tricks in no time!

Advanced Skateboarding Tricks

Hardflip

The hardflip is a complex and flashy skateboarding trick that requires a combination of skill, balance, and precision. It is considered an advanced trick that only experienced skateboarders attempt.

To perform a hardflip, follow these steps:

Start by positioning your feet in the regular skateboard stance, with your front foot placed diagonally on the skateboard’s nose and your back foot on the tail.
Begin by popping the tail of your skateboard down with your back foot while simultaneously dragging your front foot towards the edge of the skateboard.
As the skateboard starts to pop up, flick your front foot diagonally towards the heel-side edge of the board. This flick should make the skateboard perform a kickflip motion.
Simultaneously, use your back foot to level out the skateboard by pushing the nose of the board forward and slightly upwards.
As the skateboard completes the kickflip motion, catch it with your back foot and guide it towards the ground.
Keep your balance and land with both feet on the skateboard’s bolts.
Roll away smoothly and confidently to complete the hardflip.

Remember, mastering the hardflip takes practice and patience. It’s essential to start with the basics and gradually progress to this advanced trick. Always wear proper protective gear and perform the trick in a safe skateboarding environment.

360 Flip

The 360 flip, also known as the tre flip or the 360 kickflip, is a technical and stylish skateboarding trick that requires a combination of a kickflip and a 360-degree rotation. It is often considered a milestone for many skateboarders to achieve.

To perform a 360 flip, follow these steps:

Begin in the regular skateboard stance, with your front foot placed diagonally on the skateboard’s nose and your back foot on the tail.
Pop the tail of your skateboard down with your back foot, similar to a regular ollie.
As the skateboard starts to pop up, use your front foot to flick the edge of the skateboard diagonally towards the heel-side edge, just like in a kickflip.
Simultaneously, use your back foot to give the skateboard a slight flick towards the heel-side edge while also initiating a 360-degree rotation by turning your shoulders and hips in the desired direction.
Allow the skateboard to complete the kickflip motion and the rotation simultaneously.
Keep your eyes on the board and prepare to catch it with your back foot as it completes the flip and rotation.
Extend your legs and prepare to land with both feet over the bolts of the skateboard.
Absorb the impact by slightly bending your knees upon landing and roll away smoothly.

Remember, the 360 flip requires a good understanding of the kickflip and ollie techniques. It takes time and practice to master this advanced trick, so be patient and persistent. Always prioritize safety and wear appropriate protective gear.

Smith Grind

The Smith grind is a classic skateboarding trick that combines elements of grinding and sliding on the edge of a rail or curb. It is an intermediate-to-advanced trick that requires a solid understanding of balance and control.

To perform a Smith grind, follow these steps:

Approach the rail or curb at a comfortable speed, in either your regular or goofy stance.
As you near the rail, position your skateboard with your front trucks slightly over the rail or curb, while your back trucks hang off the edge.
Begin ollieing or popping your skateboard, aiming to get your back trucks onto the rail or curb.
As your skateboard starts to level out in mid-air, use your front foot to guide the board and lock the front truck onto the rail or curb.
Simultaneously, shift your weight slightly towards the back of the skateboard to ensure the back trucks grind or slide along the surface.
Keep your body balanced and centered over the skateboard as you slide or grind along the rail or curb.
Prepare to dismount by slightly shifting your weight towards the front foot and gently guiding the skateboard off the rail or curb.
Land with both feet over the bolts of the skateboard and roll away smoothly.

Remember, mastering the Smith grind requires practice, control, and confidence. It’s important to start with smaller rails or curbs and gradually progress to larger obstacles. Always wear appropriate safety gear and skate in areas specifically designated for skateboarding.

Skateboarding is a sport that offers endless possibilities for creativity and progression. From mastering the basic tricks to pushing the boundaries with advanced maneuvers, this article has provided a comprehensive guide to help skateboarders of all skill levels enhance their abilities. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your skateboarding to the next level, practicing these tricks with dedication and perseverance will undoubtedly lead to improvement. Remember, safety should always be a priority, so don’t forget to wear protective gear and skate in designated areas. So, grab your skateboard, hit the streets, and have fun exploring the exciting world of skateboarding tricks!