How To Do Skateboard Tricks

If you have mastered the basics of skateboarding such as rolling, pushing, balancing and turning, it may be time to start learning new tricks. By following some simple instructions put together by Slick Willies, who specialise in skateboards, scooters, inline skates and much more, there is no reason why you can’t progress from being a beginner to a pro. All you need is your skateboard, your passion and drive.

The Kickturn

The kickturn is a good place to start when learning how to do tricks on skateboards. This move involves leaning back on your board to lift the front wheels off the ground and do a 180 degree turn. This fast and precise move can be done either on the ground or on a ramp and is a good building block to try other advanced tricks. Slick Willies have a selection of skateboards available to suit any level of ability, whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro.

The Ollie

This is probably the most important trick you need to learn because it’s a starting point for other advanced tricks. Put simply, this is a jump while the board sticks to your feet. To perform an ollie, you need to bend your knees as if crouching as you roll forward and then jump, allowing the tail of the skateboard to come off the ground and into the air. To get this trick right, you need proper foot alignment, good balance and timing skills.

The Nollie

This is a trick that is opposite to the ollie. Basically put, the nollie involves popping the front of the skateboard off the ground as you jump as opposed to the back. Once you have got to grips with the ollie, the nollie is easy to learn.

The Manual

The manual is similar to doing a wheelie on your bike. The move involves you leaning back on the skateboard and lifting the front wheels off the ground while rolling forward. Balance is key to performing a manual so take time to position feet correctly. Once done, lean your weight backwards until the front wheels come off the ground and hold the position as you continue to roll. Be careful not to lean too far back and always wear a helmet. Slick Willies have lots of skating helmets in a range of colours that can be matched with skateboards.

The 180

The 180 is one of the difficult basic tricks to learn, so ensure you have mastered ollies and kickturns before attempting it. This trick involves both you and your board to spin 180 degree in the air and landing switch side. You can perform the move either frontside or backside. To do a frontside 180, place your feet in ollie position and as you crouch down preparing to jump, turn your shoulders toe-side towards the back. Next, pop the back of the board off the ground, rotate your shoulders frontside as you jump. The rest of the body and board will follow.

With 30 years of experience selling skateboards, scooters, inline skates and clothing gear, Slick Willies has a team of experts who can assist you with any queries on how to perform skateboard tricks. You can become from beginner to pro in no time with the right help. And if you need the right gear and accessories, you can shop for skateboards here.