Skateboard Tricks for Beginners: Mastering the Basics
Skateboarding is a thrilling and challenging sport that has gained immense popularity over the years. If you are a beginner looking to improve your skateboarding skills, learning a few basic tricks is a great place to start. These tricks not only help you gain confidence but also lay the foundation for more advanced maneuvers in the future. In this article, we will discuss some of the best skateboard tricks for beginners.
Ollie: The Foundation of Skateboarding Tricks
The Ollie is considered the fundamental trick of skateboarding. It involves popping the tail of the skateboard while simultaneously sliding your front foot up the board and jumping with both feet. This trick allows you to get your board off the ground and opens the door to countless other tricks.
Learning the Ollie requires practice and patience. Start by placing your back foot on the tail of the skateboard, and your front foot near the middle of the board. As you pop the tail down and jump, slide your front foot up towards the nose. The timing and coordination of these movements are crucial to achieving the desired outcome.
Kickflip: Adding Style to Your Moves
The Kickflip is an essential trick that adds style and flair to your skateboarding. It involves flipping the board under your feet while airborne. To perform a kickflip, begin with your feet in the same position as an Ollie. As you slide your front foot up, quickly flick the side of the nose with your toes, causing the board to flip. Use your back foot to level out the board and land smoothly.
Mastering the kickflip takes time, so be patient and keep practicing. Start by practicing the flick motion without actually jumping or popping the board. Once you’re comfortable with the flick, gradually add the popping motion and practice while jumping to achieve the complete kickflip motion.
Manual: Balancing and Control
The manual is a trick that involves balancing on either the front or back wheels of your skateboard while moving forward. This trick helps improve your overall balance and board control. To perform a manual, shift your weight towards the front or back wheels while keeping the other set of wheels off the ground. Use your body and arms to maintain balance and control.
Start with a comfortable speed and gradually increase it as you gain confidence. Start with a manual on a flat surface, and once you can balance smoothly, try practicing on different terrains like ramps or inclined surfaces.
Boardslide: Sliding with Style
The boardslide is a fundamental trick in skateboarding that involves sliding along an obstacle, such as a rail or ledge, with the underside of your skateboard. This trick requires a combination of board control and confidence.
To perform a boardslide, approach the obstacle at an angle, with your feet positioned parallel to the board. As you reach the obstacle, ollie and bring the board onto the obstacle, allowing the wheels on one side to slide along it. Use your body and arms for balance throughout the slide. As you approach the end of the obstacle, shift your weight slightly to the opposite side and land smoothly.
180 Ollie: Adding Spin to Your Tricks
The 180 Ollie is a trick that involves adding a spin to your Ollie, enabling you to change your direction while in the air. This trick is a great way to add variety and style to your skateboarding.
To perform a 180 Ollie, start with the same foot positioning as an Ollie. As you pop the tail to initiate the Ollie, use your shoulders and arms to initiate the spin. Look over your shoulder in the intended direction of the spin and allow your body to follow. Snap your legs and feet to level out the board, and land smoothly facing the opposite direction.
Remember, learning skateboard tricks for beginners requires persistence and practice. It is important to always prioritize safety and wear appropriate protective gear such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Start by mastering the basics and progress to more advanced tricks at your own pace. Enjoy the journey and have fun!
