How to Do Skate Tricks

Performing freestyle skate tricks is an essential part of skateboarding. It is possible to perform a vast variety of tricks on a skateboard, usually involving rotating or flipping the board, or combination of both. It is also possible to perform tricks on ramps or on rails -- known as grinding. It is important to be comfortable on your board, mastering the basics of your stance, riding and turning before attempting any tricks.

Instructions

    • 1

      Master the Ollie. The Ollie is the fundamental element of all tricks, involving lifting the board from the floor to get air. To perform an Ollie take a stance on your board with the tail foot at the rear of the board, with your weight on the ball of your foot over the raised lip -- known as the pop. Position your front foot centrally on the board, just behind the front bolts. Crouch down before extending your legs while simultaneously pushing down hard on your tail foot to create the pop. Jump into the air allowing the board to rise up underneath you. Catch the board in midair and push down to land.

    • 2

      Perform a Shove-it. A Shove-it involves rotating the board a full 180-degrees before landing. Take your stance as if you were performing an Ollie. As your board rises into the air, flick your front foot forward to rotate the board. Watch it rotate beneath you and once a full 180-degree revolution has been made, place your feet back on the board to land.

    • 3

      Perform a Kickflip. Take your stance as if you were going to perform an Ollie. Rotate your front foot outward slightly to about 45-degrees. As you pop the tail down and the board begins to lift, flick your front foot forward and downward to flip the board on its horizontal access. Once it has made a full revolution, replace your feet and land back on the board.

    • 4

      Perform grinds. Grinds involve sliding along a rail or the edge of a grind box or wall on the skateboards trucks or underside of the deck. To perform a 50-50, the simplest grind to master, approach your target, Ollie onto it, landing with the edge of the rail, box or wall between both trucks. Slide along, trying to keep your balance, before dismounting.