Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a vibrant culture and a thrilling way to express yourself. Whether you’re cruising down urban streets or hitting your local skate park, mastering basic tricks can elevate your skills and confidence. For beginners, the journey can feel overwhelming with countless tricks to learn and styles to adopt. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide: “Master the Streets: Top 10 Skateboard Tricks Every Beginner Should Learn.” From the classic ollie to the stylish kickflip, these essential tricks form the foundation of your skating journey. Each maneuver will not only impress your friends but will also unlock new possibilities on your board. So grab your skateboard, lace up your shoes, and get ready to hit the pavement while learning moves that will set you on the path to becoming a skateboarding pro! Let’s dive into the tricks every newbie should master!
Before you even think about hitting the pavement, it’s crucial to gear up properly. Essential skateboarding gear will not only enhance your performance but also ensure your safety as you learn and master new tricks. At the heart of your gear is, of course, the skateboard itself. For beginners, choosing the right deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings can make a significant difference. Opt for a deck size that complements your body size and riding style. A wider deck offers more stability, which is ideal for learning tricks. View our guide: What Size Board Should I Get?
Equally important is protective gear. A sturdy helmet designed specifically for skateboarding is non-negotiable. It’s your first line of defense against head injuries. Additionally, invest in knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. These pieces of gear might seem cumbersome at first, but they can save you from painful scrapes, bruises, and even fractures. Remember, every professional skateboarder started with these basics, so there’s no shame in prioritizing your safety.
Lastly, don’t forget about proper footwear. Skate shoes are designed with flat soles and durable materials that provide the grip and protection needed for skateboarding. Avoid running shoes or other types of footwear that lack the grip and cushioning required. Good skate shoes help you feel the board better and make landing tricks smoother. With the right gear, you’ll be well-equipped to start your journey into skateboarding.
Safety is paramount in skateboarding, especially for beginners. The thrill of learning new tricks can sometimes overshadow the importance of staying safe, but it’s essential to keep safety at the forefront of your mind. Always start with a warm-up session to get your muscles ready and reduce the risk of injury. Simple stretches and light cardio can go a long way in preparing your body for the physical demands of skateboarding.
When you’re ready to skate, choose a suitable environment. Beginners should practice in areas with smooth, flat surfaces and minimal obstacles. Skate parks can be great, but make sure to stick to beginner-friendly sections until you’re more confident. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings, watching out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other skaters. It’s also wise to avoid skating in wet or icy conditions, as slippery surfaces can lead to falls.
Lastly, learn how to fall properly. This might sound counterintuitive, but knowing how to fall can prevent serious injuries. Try to roll if you fall, rather than putting your hands out to break the fall, which can lead to wrist injuries. Practice safe stopping techniques like the foot brake or carving to slow down gradually. By prioritizing safety, you’ll build a solid foundation that will enable you to enjoy skateboarding for years to come.
Balance and stance are the cornerstones of skateboarding. Without mastering these fundamentals, performing tricks and even basic maneuvers can be incredibly challenging. Your stance on the board refers to how you position your feet. There are two primary stances: regular and goofy. In a regular stance, your left foot is forward, while in a goofy stance, your right foot leads. Experiment with both stances to determine which one feels more natural for you.
Once you’ve established your stance, focus on your balance. Keeping your center of gravity low by bending your knees slightly can enhance your stability on the board. Practice standing on your skateboard and shifting your weight from side to side and front to back. This will help you get a feel for how the board responds to your movements. Additionally, practice riding in a straight line and making gentle turns to build confidence in your balance.
Another critical aspect of balance is your body posture. Keep your shoulders aligned with your feet and your head up, looking in the direction you want to go. This posture not only improves your balance but also allows you to anticipate and react to obstacles more effectively. By dedicating time to mastering balance and stance, you’ll set yourself up for success as you progress to learning tricks.
Mastering skateboard tricks is a rewarding experience that builds your confidence and expands your skill set. Here are the top 10 tricks every beginner should aim to learn:
- Ollie: The foundation of many tricks, the ollie involves popping the board off the ground using your back foot while sliding your front foot forward to level the board in the air.
- Manual: A balancing act where you ride on just the back wheels of your skateboard, requiring excellent control and balance.
- Shuvit: Involves spinning the board 180 degrees under your feet without flipping it, a great trick to understand board control.
- Kickflip: Building on the ollie, the kickflip involves flicking the board with your front foot to make it flip 360 degrees along its axis.
- Heelflip: Similar to the kickflip but using your heel to flip the board in the opposite direction.
- Pop Shuvit: A combination of the ollie and shuvit, this trick adds a pop to the shuvit for extra height.
- Frontside 180: An ollie variation where you and the board rotate 180 degrees in the frontside direction.
- Backside 180: Another ollie variation, this time rotating 180 degrees in the backside direction.
- Board Slide: Involves sliding the middle of your board along a rail or ledge, requiring balance and precision.
- Grind: Similar to the board slide, but you use the trucks to grind along the edge of a rail or ledge.
Each of these tricks builds on fundamental skills and can be practiced progressively to improve your overall skateboarding ability.
Ollie
The ollie is the bedrock of skateboarding tricks. Start by placing your front foot near the middle of the board and your back foot on the tail. To execute the ollie, crouch down and then extend your legs quickly, popping the tail of the board off the ground with your back foot. As the tail hits the ground, use your front foot to slide up towards the nose, leveling the board in the air. Practice this motion repeatedly to get a clean pop and even out your board mid-air.
Manual
Manuals require balance and finesse. Begin by placing your feet in a comfortable riding position. Shift your weight to the back while lifting your front wheels off the ground. The trick is to maintain this position without letting the nose touch the ground or falling backward. Start with short distances and gradually extend your manual as your balance improves. Practicing on a flat, smooth surface can help you maintain control.
Shuvit
For the shuvit, position your front foot near the bolts and your back foot on the tail. Crouch slightly and then scoop the tail with your back foot to spin the board 180 degrees. Your front foot should stay relatively still, guiding the board as it spins. Timing is crucial; jump slightly to let the board spin beneath you, then land with both feet on the board. This trick is all about control and timing, so take it slow and master the scoop motion.
Kickflip
Kickflips are a natural progression from the ollie. Start with an ollie stance, but position your front foot closer to the edge of the board. As you pop the tail, flick the edge of the board with your front foot’s toes. This flicking motion causes the board to spin along its axis. Jump and catch the board with your feet after it completes the spin. It’s vital to practice the flicking motion and timing to perfect this trick.
Heelflip
Heelflips are similar to kickflips but use the heel of your front foot to flip the board in the opposite direction. Stand in an ollie position but with your toes hanging off the edge of the board. As you pop the tail, kick out with your heel to flip the board. Jump and catch the board with both feet after it completes its rotation. This trick requires precision in the flick and timing of your jump.
Pop Shuvit
The pop shuvit combines elements of the ollie and shuvit. Begin in an ollie stance with your front foot near the middle of the board. Pop the tail with your back foot while simultaneously scooping it to spin the board 180 degrees. Your front foot should guide the board as it spins. Jump to allow the board to spin beneath you and land with both feet on the board. Mastering the pop and scoop motion is key to this trick.
Frontside 180
For the frontside 180, start in an ollie stance. Pop the tail and rotate your shoulders in the frontside direction, leading with your head and shoulders. As you spin, the board will follow, rotating 180 degrees. Land with your feet in the same position, now facing the opposite direction. This trick builds on the ollie and incorporates body rotation, so practice maintaining balance throughout the spin.
Backside 180
The backside 180 follows a similar motion to the frontside 180 but rotates in the opposite direction. Begin in an ollie stance, pop the tail, and rotate your shoulders in the backside direction. Keep your eyes focused on the landing spot and let your body follow through. Land with your feet in the same position, now facing the opposite direction. Balance and control are essential for a smooth rotation and landing.
Board Slide
Board slides require precision and balance. Approach a rail or ledge at a slight angle. As you ollie onto the rail, twist your body to get the middle of your board onto the rail. Maintain your balance as you slide along the rail, then twist your body back to land on the ground. Practice on lower rails or ledges and gradually move to higher obstacles as your confidence grows.
Grind
Grinds involve sliding the trucks of your skateboard along a rail or ledge. Approach the obstacle at a slight angle. Ollie onto the rail, positioning your trucks to lock onto the edge. Maintain your balance and slide along the rail. Twist your body back to land smoothly on the ground. Start with low obstacles and progress to higher ones as you gain confidence and control.
Learning skateboard tricks involves trial and error, and it’s common to make mistakes along the way. Identifying these mistakes and knowing how to correct them can accelerate your progress. One frequent mistake is improper foot placement. For tricks like the ollie and kickflip, having your feet in the wrong position can hinder your success. Always ensure your feet are correctly positioned according to the trick you’re attempting.
Another common issue is inadequate pop and flick. For tricks like the ollie and kickflip, a solid pop and a precise flick are essential. Beginners often struggle with getting enough height or flipping the board properly. Focus on practicing the popping motion with your back foot and flicking with your front foot. Breaking the trick down into smaller parts and practicing each component can help improve your technique.
Fear and hesitation are also significant obstacles. The fear of falling can prevent you from fully committing to a trick. Overcoming this requires practice and building confidence gradually. Start with simpler tricks and work your way up. Wearing protective gear can also help reduce fear by providing a sense of security. Remember, every skateboarder falls; it’s part of the learning process. Embrace the falls as learning opportunities and keep pushing forward.
As you master the basic tricks, you’ll want to continue progressing and building your skills. Setting goals and tracking your progress can keep you motivated. Start by mastering each trick on flat ground before moving on to more challenging terrain like ramps or rails. Practice each trick regularly, dedicating time to refine your technique and build muscle memory.
Joining a skateboarding community can also accelerate your progress. Skate with friends or join a local skate group to learn from others and get feedback on your technique. Watching videos of professional skateboarders can provide inspiration and insights into new tricks and styles. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or tips from more experienced skaters; most are happy to help beginners improve.
Finally, be patient and persistent. Skateboarding is a challenging sport that requires time and dedication to master. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and learn from your failures. Keep pushing your limits and trying new tricks. With consistent practice and a positive mindset, you’ll continue to progress and build your skills, becoming a better skateboarder with each session.
There are numerous resources available to help you learn skateboard tricks and improve your skills. Online tutorials and instructional videos are a great starting point. Websites like YouTube have countless videos from professional skateboarders breaking down tricks step-by-step. Channels like Braille Skateboarding and Skateboarding Made Simple offer comprehensive guides for beginners.
Skateboarding magazines and websites also provide valuable information. Publications like Thrasher and Transworld Skateboarding feature articles, interviews, and tutorials from top skateboarders. These resources can keep you updated on the latest trends and techniques in the skateboarding world.
Additionally, consider investing in skateboarding books. Books like “Skateboarding: Book of Tricks” by Steve Badillo and Doug Werner offer detailed instructions and tips for mastering various tricks. Skateboarding schools and camps are another excellent resource. These programs provide hands-on instruction from experienced skateboarders, offering personalized feedback and guidance to help you progress.
Skateboarding is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. As a beginner, mastering the top 10 skateboard tricks will lay a solid foundation for your skateboarding skills. Remember, every professional skateboarder started where you are now, facing the same struggles and overcoming similar obstacles. With dedication, patience, and consistent practice, you’ll continue to improve and achieve your skateboarding goals.
Embrace the learning process and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Each fall and mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep pushing your limits. Surround yourself with supportive friends and fellow skateboarders who can encourage and inspire you.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride. Skateboarding is more than just performing tricks; it’s about expressing yourself and experiencing the thrill of the sport. So grab your board, hit the streets, and keep practicing. The more you skate, the more you’ll fall in love with the culture and the sport. Keep pushing, keep progressing, and master the streets one trick at a time.