Sep 26, 2024

Embrace the Challenge: Learning Advanced Skateboarding Tricks

Skateboarding is more than just a sport, it's a lifestyle, a form of self-expression, and a constant pursuit of pushing boundaries. While mastering basic tricks like ollies and shuvits is exhilarating, stepping into the realm of advanced tricks opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Whether you're an intermediate skater looking to sharpen your skills or someone eager to dive into the complexity of advanced tricks, this guide will provide essential insights into progressing. Let's break it down!

Taking the Leap: From Beginner to Intermediate Tricks

Transitioning from beginner to intermediate skateboarding tricks is an exciting challenge. It marks the shift from mastering fundamental movements to incorporating technical elements that require more precision and control.

Consistency is Key
Before tackling intermediate tricks, make sure your basic moves are rock-solid. A consistent ollie, a clean pop shove-it, and the ability to ride switch will lay the foundation for advanced manoeuvres.

Commitment and Confidence
Intermediate tricks often require a higher level of commitment. You’ll need to trust yourself and your board, even when it feels like you're taking bigger risks. For example, a frontside 180 may seem daunting at first, but once you commit to the full rotation and landing, it becomes much easier to execute.

Skating Switch
Skateboarding at an advanced level demands versatility. This includes being comfortable skating switch, or with your non-dominant foot forward. Tricks like nollies (nose ollies) become much easier if you’ve developed switch stance riding. Practice skating around in switch regularly to build balance and comfort.

Common intermediate tricks include frontside and backside 180s, board slides, and manuals. Once these moves become second nature, you'll be ready to dive into the more complex world of skateboarding grinds, slides, and flip tricks.

Mastering Skateboard Grinds and Slides

Grinds and slides are essential advanced tricks that add style and precision to your skating. These tricks involve using your trucks or deck to interact with a ledge, rail, or coping.

Popular Grinds

50-50 Grind: This grind involves both trucks sliding along a ledge or rail. It’s one of the first grinds skaters learn after mastering their balance.
5-0 Grind: Similar to the 50-50, but here only the back truck grinds while the front truck is lifted.
Crooked Grind: This involves the front truck grinding while the back truck is angled upward. It’s a stylish and technical move, requiring a precise approach and balance.

Common Slides

Boardslide: One of the most iconic skateboard tricks, the boardslide involves turning your board 90 degrees and sliding the middle of your deck along a rail or ledge. Make sure to practice on smaller obstacles before trying it on taller rails.
Lipslide: The lipslide is a variation of the boardslide, where the back of your board is slid over the rail or ledge, leading into a more advanced variation of the trick.

Tips for Grinds and Slides

Approach: Always line yourself up correctly for grinds and slides. Your shoulders should be squared, and your weight centered over the board.
Commit to the Slide: Hesitation often leads to bails. Fully commit to locking your trucks into place or sliding your deck. Practice on smaller obstacles before moving onto taller ledges or handrails.

Mastering these grinds and slides will not only enhance your control but will also build confidence for attempting more challenging obstacles and combining them with other tricks.

Kickflips and Heelflips: Breaking Down the Techniques

Kickflips and heelflips are some of the most rewarding flip tricks to master. Once you nail these, you’ll have the gateway to a world of technical tricks like tre flips, varial flips, and laser flips.

Kickflip
The kickflip involves flicking the skateboard with your front foot while in mid-air, causing it to rotate horizontally before catching it for the landing. Here’s how to break it down:

Foot Placement: Place your back foot on the tail, ready to pop an ollie. Your front foot should be angled near the middle of the board, just behind the bolts.
Pop the Tail: Similar to an ollie, pop the tail down to create lift.
Flick the Front Foot: As the tail hits the ground, slide your front foot up the board, flicking it off the edge near the nose. This motion causes the board to flip horizontally.
Catch the Board: As the board completes its rotation, bring your front foot back to catch it, then land.

Heelflip
The heelflip is the opposite of a kickflip, where you flick the board with your heel instead of your toes. It’s often described as easier for skaters who prefer a more leveled-out posture.

Foot Placement: Your back foot should be in a similar position to a kickflip—on the tail. Place your front foot more toward the center, with your toes hanging off the edge slightly.
Pop the Tail and Flick: Pop the tail down and simultaneously flick your front foot forward, using your heel to flip the board.
Spot the Flip: Keep an eye on the board as it rotates. As soon as it completes a full flip, position your feet to catch it.
Land Smoothly: Absorb the landing with your knees bent, making sure to stay centred over the board.

Practice Tips

Use Slow Motion: Visualise the trick in slow motion to understand the foot movements. You can even record yourself to break down what might need improvement.
Start Stationary: Practice flipping the board without moving. This will help you focus on getting the correct flick and timing before adding speed to your attempts.