7 Essential Tricks Every Skateboarder Should Master

Skateboarding is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that embodies freedom, creativity, and a sense of community. Whether you are a beginner taking your first ride or an experienced skater looking to refine your skills, mastering certain tricks can elevate your skateboarding experience. In this article, we will explore 7 essential tricks every skateboarder should master 🛹. Each trick brings its own challenges and rewards, and they are fundamental to developing your skateboarding prowess. Let’s dive in!

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=7%20Essential%20Tricks%20Every%20Skateboarder%20Should%20Master" alt="Skateboarding Tricks" /> </div>

1. The Ollie

The ollie is often considered the cornerstone of skateboarding tricks. It is the basic jumping maneuver where the skateboarder pops the tail of the board off the ground, allowing the skateboarder to gain air and clear obstacles. Mastering the ollie opens the door to many other tricks.

How to Execute an Ollie:

• Start by riding at a comfortable speed.
• Position your back foot on the tail of the skateboard and your front foot near the middle.
• Push down on the tail with your back foot while simultaneously dragging your front foot towards the nose.
• As the board starts to rise, level it out in mid-air using your feet.

Tip: Practice on flat ground before trying it over obstacles to build confidence.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Ollie%20Skateboard" alt="Ollie Skateboard Trick" /> </div>

2. The Kickflip

The kickflip is a fundamental trick that adds flair to your routine. It involves flipping the skateboard 360 degrees along the axis that extends from the nose to the tail.

Steps to Master the Kickflip:

• Start in the ollie position.
• As you pop the tail down, slide your front foot up and to the side, flicking it off the edge.
• As the board begins to flip, use your knees to tuck up and give the skateboard room to rotate.
• Catch the board with your feet when it comes down.

Important Note: Practice makes perfect! It might take some time to get the flick right. Don’t get discouraged!

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Kickflip%20Skateboard" alt="Kickflip Skateboard Trick" /> </div>

3. The Heelflip

Similar to the kickflip, the heelflip uses the flick of the heel to spin the board. It’s a crowd-pleaser and offers variety to your skateboarding tricks.

How to Perform a Heelflip:

• Start as you would for an ollie.
• As you pop the board down, slide your front foot up and out to the side, flicking your heel downward.
• Keep your knees tucked as the board flips beneath you.
• Catch the board with your feet as it lands.

Tip: Make sure your flick is fast and precise for a clean flip.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Heelflip%20Skateboard" alt="Heelflip Skateboard Trick" /> </div>

4. The 180

The 180 trick involves a simple but effective mid-air spin. It not only looks impressive but also enhances your ability to navigate obstacles and perform tricks on ramps.

Performing a 180:

• Ride with enough speed.
• Approach the jump and get into an ollie stance.
• As you pop the tail down, turn your shoulders in the direction you want to spin.
• Use your feet to turn the board underneath you and land facing the opposite direction.

Important Note: Practice your body movements separately before combining them with the ollie for smoother transitions.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=180%20Skateboard" alt="180 Skateboard Trick" /> </div>

5. The Boardslide

The boardslide is a staple trick for anyone who loves skateboarding on rails or ledges. It involves sliding the skateboard along an obstacle using the middle of the board.

Steps to Execute a Boardslide:

• Gain speed as you approach the rail or ledge.
• Ollie and aim to land with the center of your board on the obstacle.
• Keep your weight centered and balance as you slide.
• Prepare for the landing by bending your knees and looking ahead.

Tip: Start with wider obstacles to build your confidence before moving to thinner ones.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Boardslide%20Skateboard" alt="Boardslide Skateboard Trick" /> </div>

6. The Grinds

Grinds are advanced tricks that involve sliding the truck of the skateboard along an edge. There are various types, including the smith grind and feeble grind.

How to Perform a Basic Grind:

• Approach the rail or ledge at a slight angle.
• Ollie and aim to land one of your trucks on the edge.
• Lean slightly in the direction of your slide to maintain balance.
• Keep your knees bent as you slide to prepare for landing.

Important Note: Ensure your trucks are properly adjusted to reduce the risk of injury while grinding.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Grind%20Skateboard" alt="Grind Skateboard Trick" /> </div>

7. The Wallride

The wallride is an iconic trick that showcases both creativity and control. It involves riding up a wall and coming back down.

Steps for a Successful Wallride:

• Approach the wall with enough speed.
• Use an ollie to lift your board up towards the wall.
• As your skateboard makes contact, shift your weight slightly and steer your board to maintain contact.
• Push off the wall to land safely back on the ground.

Tip: Start with lower walls to get the feel of the trick before attempting higher obstacles.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Wallride%20Skateboard" alt="Wallride Skateboard Trick" /> </div>

By mastering these 7 essential tricks, you’ll not only enhance your skills but also gain confidence in your skateboarding journey. Each trick requires patience and practice, but the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once you nail them is undeniably rewarding. Remember, the key to becoming a great skateboarder is to stay persistent, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the ride! 🛹