Skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s an art form, a lifestyle, and a thrilling way to express creativity. Whether you’re a fresh-faced beginner or a seasoned skater looking to push your limits, mastering skateboarding techniques is the key to unlocking your full potential. In this guide, we’ll break down the basic skateboarding tricks every rider needs to know, then dive into advanced skateboarding tricks that’ll take your skills to the next level. Let’s roll!
1. Basic Skateboarding Tricks: Building Your Foundation
Learning the fundamentals of skateboarding isn’t just about safety; it’s about building muscle memory and confidence. These basic skateboarding tricks will help you develop balance, coordination, and control.
How to Ride a Skateboard: The First Step
Before you attempt tricks, you need to feel comfortable on your board. Here’s how to start:
Stance
Determine if you’re “regular” (left foot forward) or “goofy” (right foot forward). Your dominant foot should be at the back for pushing.
Pushing Off
Place your front foot near the bolts of the front truck. Push with your back foot, then place it on the tail once you gain momentum.
Balancing
Keep your knees slightly bent, shoulders parallel to the board, and eyes forward. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
Stopping
Drag your pushing foot lightly on the ground or shift your weight to the tail to slow down.
How to Ollie: The Gateway Trick
The ollie is the foundation of almost every skateboarding trick. It involves jumping with the board while keeping it under your feet.
Foot Placement
Back foot on the tail, front foot near the middle of the board.
Pop the Tail
Slam your back foot down to snap the tail against the ground.
Slide and Level Out
As the board rises, slide your front foot toward the nose to level the board mid-air.
Land
Bend your knees to absorb the impact and keep your weight centered.
Common Mistake
Not sliding the front foot enough. Practice the motion stationary before trying moving ollies.
How to Kickflip: Adding Style to Your Arsenal
Once you’ve mastered the ollie, the kickflip is the next logical step. This trick flips the board 360 degrees under your feet.
Stance
Similar to an ollie, but angle your front foot slightly toward the edge of the board.
Pop and Flick
Pop the tail, then use your front foot to flick off the edge of the board near the nose. This creates the flip.
Catch and Land
Watch the board complete its rotation, then stomp both feet down to catch it.
2. Advanced Skateboarding Tricks: Elevating Your Game
Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to challenge yourself with advanced skateboarding tricks. These moves require precision, timing, and a fearless mindset.
360 Flip: The Spinning Classic
The 360 flip (or “tre flip”) combines a kickflip with a 360-degree shuvit. It’s a crowd-pleaser but demands practice.
Foot Placement
Back foot on the tail’s edge, front foot angled diagonally near the bolts.
Scoop and Flick
Pop the tail while scooping your back foot backward to spin the board. Simultaneously flick your front foot for the kickflip motion.
Track the Rotation
Watch the board flip and spin, then stomp it down as it completes the rotation.
Double Ollie: Defying Gravity
A double ollie is an ollie performed twice in mid-air. It’s all about timing and explosive power.
Pop Higher
Use your back foot to generate a stronger pop than a regular ollie.
Tuck Your Knees
After the initial ollie, pull your knees up quickly to “reload” for a second pop.
Second Slide
Use your front foot to level the board again mid-air before landing.
Grinds: Mastering Rails and Ledges
Grinds involve sliding along an obstacle (like a rail or ledge) with your trucks. Start with these beginner-friendly grinds:
50-50 Grind
Approach the ledge at a slight angle, ollie onto it, and balance both trucks on the edge.
Boardslide
Ollie onto a rail, turn your board 90 degrees, and slide the middle of the deck along the rail.
Putting It All Together: Practice Makes Progress
Skateboarding is a journey of persistence. Even pros started with shaky ollies and wobbly rides. Here’s how to stay motivated:
Set Goals
Aim to land one new trick per week.
Film Yourself
Analyze your form and identify areas to improve.
Skate with Others
Join a local skate community for inspiration and tips.
Remember, every slam is a lesson. Embrace the process, and soon you’ll be turning heads at the skatepark with your advanced skateboarding tricks while mentoring newcomers on basic skateboarding tricks.
Conclusion
From learning how to ride a skateboard to nailing a flawless 360 flip, skateboarding is about pushing boundaries. Whether you’re perfecting your how to ollie technique or experimenting with grinds, every trick adds a new brushstroke to your concrete canvas. Stay patient, stay passionate, and keep shredding!
