Freestyle Tricks For Skateboarding

Welcome, fellow skaters and enthusiasts of freestyle skateboarding! We’re thrilled to introduce our comprehensive guide on mastering freestyle skateboarding tricks, brought to you by FamilyHype.

From the basics for beginners up to the most advanced tricks, we’ve got you covered. We’ll delve into the exciting world of skateboarding, offering step-by-step instructions on performing impressive moves like kickflips, varials, and ollies that will turn heads at your local skate park.

But this isn’t just about learning new freestyle tricks; it’s also about fostering a community of sharing and growth. Whether you’re keen on improving your skills or eager to inspire others with your progress, there’s something here for everyone. We’ve even included inspiring stories from professional skateboarders who turned their passion into a career. Keep shredding, having fun, and pushing the boundaries of freestyle skateboarding!

A man doing a backflip and trying to master the trick by practicing tirelessly. — Source: pxfuel.com

So strap on your helmets, lace up those sneakers, and get ready – we’re about to embark on an incredible journey through the dynamic realm of freestyle skateboarding together!

We encourage you to share your feedback and experiences on this journey and spread the word about our guide.

This is an exciting sport and art form composed of various entities, such as boards, trucks, wheels, and bearings. Each of these entities has different attributes and values that, when combined, create a unique skateboard.

FamilyHype strives to provide the best resources and information about skateboarding so everyone can enjoy this amazing sport. So let’s get started and learn some awesome tricks!

Key Takeaways

We will journey through the exhilarating world of freestyle skateboarding, from basics to pro-level moves. Skateboarding is a great way to express yourself creatively, and here at FamilyHype, we encourage you to share your experience and feedback with us.

Whether you’re just starting or a pro, practice makes perfect! With skateboards, trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape, risers, and hardware, you can create magic on those wheels and take your skating to the next level. So grab your board, stay safe, and keep trying new moves.

Have fun, and let’s make some skateboarding history! You can break boundaries, explore new tricks, and take your creativity to the streets.

Share your feedback and experiences with us so that together we can create a vibrant community.

Understand The Basics

Skating basics involve understanding the skateboard’s components, such as the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape.

Determine your stance (regular or goofy) and learn how to ride, turn, and stop safely. Prioritize safety by wearing protective gear and practicing in designated areas.

Start with fundamental moves like the Ollie, kick turn, and manual, and gradually progress to more advanced maneuvers.

Embrace practice and have fun as you become a skilled and confident skateboarder, especially when mastering those impressive skateboard tricks at the front end of the board near the front bolts.

Learn Basic Tricks

We’re about to dive into the fascinating world of basic freestyle moves that every skateboarder should have in their repertoire.

Let’s start with the Ollie, the fundamental trick that forms the backbone of all stunts.

We’ll then move on to mastering the Kickflip and Pop Shove-it, two iconic moves guaranteed to ramp up your skills and impress any onlookers.

The Ollie

The history of the Ollie is rich, originating as a simple leap and evolving into varied interpretations. With practice, you can master its variations – from Nollies to Fakie Ollies.

The Ollie is a fundamental trick where the rider pops the skateboard’s tail and slides their front foot to level the board in the air, allowing it to jump without using hands. It serves as the foundation for many other tricks and is an essential skill for every skateboarder to learn. Mastering the Ollie requires practice, timing, and coordination, but it opens the door to a wide range of advanced maneuvers and creative possibilities in this sport.

A tilted skateboard deck - Mastering the Ollie requires practice, timing, and coordination, but it opens the door to a wide range of advanced maneuvers and creative possibilities in this sport. — Source: wallpapercrafter.com

Connecting skateboards to the Ollie, this foundational trick is the backbone of many board maneuvers and can help the skateboarder gain a sense of pride and accomplishment. Through practice and dedication, you can make the Ollie your own and use it to access more advanced moves.

The Kickflip

The kickflip is an exhilarating maneuver. After nailing the Ollie, you’re ready to tackle the kickflip.

The kickflip is a popular freestyle trick that involves flipping the skateboard in the air while jumping, making it spin along its axis. To perform a kickflip, the skater executes an Ollie but adds a flicking motion with the front foot to make the board rotate beneath them. The trick requires precise foot placement, a quick and controlled flick, and timing to land back on the board after the flip.

Mastering the kickflip is a significant milestone for skateboarders, as it showcases a combination of skill, style, and creativity. Like any other trick, it takes practice and dedication to perfect the kickflip and add it to one’s repertoire of maneuvers.

The Pop Shove-it

The Pop Shove-it is another popular trick that involves spinning the skateboard 180 degrees along its axis while in mid-air, and it’s a great way to break bad habits and learn to spin in the other direction. To perform a Pop Shove-it, the skater pops the skateboard’s tail while simultaneously using their back foot to scoop and spin the board in the opposite direction. This results in the skateboard rotating horizontally without flipping.

Unlike the Kickflip, which requires a flicking motion with the front foot, the Pop Shove-it relies on a quick and controlled scoop from the back foot to initiate the spin. Once the board completes the 180-degree rotation, the skater lands back on the board, facing the opposite direction from where they started.

Advance To Intermediate Tricks

As most skaters progress in your riding journey and feel comfortable with the basic moves, it’s time to advance to intermediate-level maneuvers with higher rotations. These moves will challenge your skills and take your skills to the next level, making it clear that mastering advanced skateboard tricks at the front end requires dedication, making the impossible seem possible. Here are some intermediate moves to try:

180 Ollie (Half-Cab): Similar to the Ollie, but you rotate 180 degrees in the air and land switch (opposite stance) with the same foot forward.
Backside 180 Kickflip: Combine the Kickflip with a backside 180 rotation, spinning the board and flipping it at the same time.
Frontside 180 Kickflip: Perform a Kickflip while simultaneously spinning 180 degrees frontside.
Pop Shove-it Late Flip: Execute a Pop Shove-it and delay the flip so that the board completes the rotation before flipping.
Manual Variations: Explore different variations of the manual, such as nose manuals, manual to 180 out, or manual to nose manual.
Boardslide: Slide the skateboard along a rail or ledge using the underside of the deck.
Nose Slide: Similar to a boardslide, but slide with the nose of the skateboard.
Frontside 180 Ollie Revert: Perform a frontside 180 Ollie and revert the rotation back to the original position.
Backside 180 Ollie Revert: Similar to the previous trick, but with a backside 180 Ollie.
Fakie Bigspin: Spin the skateboard 360 degrees while riding the fakie (riding switch) and landing with the board in the opposite direction.

Remember, learning intermediate tricks takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged by failures; keep pushing yourself and enjoy the improvement process. Always prioritize safety, wear protective gear, and practice in suitable skate spots.

Master Advanced Tricks

Mastering advanced freestyle tricks in this sport requires dedication, persistence, and a solid foundation in basic and intermediate maneuvers. These moves often involve complex movements, technical skills, and creative combinations. Here are some advanced freestyle tricks to strive for:

Hardflip: The Hardflip combines a Kickflip with a frontside 180-degree body rotation. It requires precise timing and a flicking motion with your front foot to execute the trick properly.
Varial Kickflip: A variation of the Kickflip, the Varial Kickflip incorporates a pop shove-it while performing the Kickflip. This trick demands precise footwork and coordination.
360 Flip (Tre Flip): A more advanced version of the Kickflip, the 360 Flip involves a full 360-degree board rotation along its axis while flipping. This trick demands a lot of control and board manipulation.
Bigspin: The Bigspin combines a pop shove-it with a 180-degree body rotation in the opposite direction. The trick requires solid board control and the ability to spin quickly.
360 Pop Shove-it: Similar to a regular Pop Shove-it, but this time, the board spins a full 360 degrees instead of 180. This trick demands a strong scoop from the back foot and precise foot positioning.
Backside 360 Ollie: Perform a full 360-degree rotation while doing an Ollie. The trick demands a fast and controlled rotation.
Inward Heelflip: A variation of the Heelflip, the Inward Heelflip involves flipping the board inwards, towards your heels, while performing an Ollie.
Laser Flip: Combining a Heelflip with a 360 pop shove-it, the Laser Flip requires excellent foot control and timing.
Casper Flip: A technical trick involving flipping the board 180 degrees in the air using a shove-it motion and catching it with your back foot upside-down. This trick demands creativity and coordination.
Manual Variations: Challenge yourself with advanced manual variations, such as Casper Manuals, G-Turns, or Handstand Manuals, which push the boundaries of balance, knees, and control.

Mastering advanced freestyle tricks takes time and patience. Break down each trick into smaller components and practice them individually before attempting the full trick. Film yourself to analyze your technique and make adjustments. Additionally, watching tutorials and learning from other skilled skateboarders can be helpful.

Tips For Improving Your Riding Skills

We’re here to help you elevate your freestyle skills to the next level. Let’s focus on perfecting our balance, embracing consistent practice, and learning from our mistakes. These are the pillars of mastering this exhilarating sport. We believe that you’ll pull off those advanced moves quickly with dedication and the right approach!

Mastering freestyle tricks is no easy feat, it will require a lot of practice and patience. Knowing your board and the ground on which you are choosing to do your tricks are also very important aspects of getting better at these tricks. It’s also important to keep in mind all the small and big parts of these tricks like your front foot as it is the main part of your body that will control your movements, the side of the board, your front hand, the nose of the board, and the timing where and where these changes need to happen. Like touching the ground, when to catch the board, or when to flip the board, these and so many more tricks that you will learn along the way.

Perfecting Your Balance

Mastering balance is an essential part of nailing those jaw-dropping freestyle tricks, including pressure flips that challenge your control and stability.

Balance exercises such as yoga and Pilates can help you gain confidence and increase stability on your board. Board control techniques like shifting weight and pivoting can also help you master your balance.

Remember: achieving top-notch balance isn’t a one-and-done deal. Consistent practice is key to skating success, whether a beginner or a pro; practicing balance exercises and board control techniques is essential for taking your skills to the next level.

Consistent Practice

Without a doubt, consistent practice can make all the difference in your journey to becoming an exceptional skater. Overcoming fear and focusing on injury prevention are integral parts of this process. At FamilyHype, we understand that it’s not easy, but we’re here to guide you through every twist and turn.

Regular practice helps improve skills like ollies, kickflips, grinds, wheelies, board slides, and confidence. With this strong foundation, you’ll be better prepared for the next challenge: turning mistakes into learning experiences.

Learning From Mistakes

This sport – as with any sport, really – involves embracing mistakes and cultivating a ‘fail forward’ mindset, which can seem impossible for most skaters at first. By viewing errors as opportunities for growth, we can learn from our skateboard missteps and triumph over them.

To do this, we can conduct mistake analysis, practice forgiveness and resilience, and reinforce positive self-talk despite setbacks.

Inspiring Stories From Professionals

Let’s dive into the thrilling world of the professionals and draw inspiration from some of its biggest stars.

We’ll explore Tony Hawk’s illustrious career, filled with numerous groundbreaking achievements that have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Then we’ll delve into Rodney Mullen’s innovative contributions, which completely revolutionized freestyle tricks.

Finally, we’ll end our journey with Leticia Bufoni’s rise to fame, a testament to hard work, resilience, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.

Tony Hawk’s Career Highlights

Tony Hawk is one of the most influential and iconic figures of the sport. Even non-riders might have probably heard his name. Throughout his illustrious career, he has achieved numerous milestones, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Tony Hawk’s career highlights include being the first to land a 900-degree aerial spin in 1999, his hugely successful video game franchise, X Games dominance, co-founding Birdhouse Skateboards, creating a clothing line, philanthropy, and charity work, retirement in 2003, but remaining influential in skateboarding, and his final 900-degree spin in 2016 at age 48.

Hawk’s contributions to the sport extend beyond his achievements, making him an iconic figure and role model for the sport’s growth and popularity.

Rodney Mullen’s Innovations

If you thought Hawk was the only game-changer in the sport, wait till you hear about Rodney Mullen’s incredible innovations.

Mullen’s technique revolutionized freestyle tricks, and his innovation impact still resonates today. He introduced never-seen-before moves that invigorated our sport and community, proving creativity is unlimited.

He invented the modern Ollie, introduced numerous technical flat-ground moves, and played a key role in popularizing freestyle. Mullen’s creations include the Darkslide, Varial Kickflip, Varial Heelflip, and the Kickflip Underflip (Mullen Flip).

His contributions to skateboard design and style have left a lasting impact on the sport, inspiring skateboarders worldwide.

Leticia Bufoni’s Rise To Fame

Shifting from the groundbreaking moves of Mullen, we now spotlight the inspiring rise of Leticia Bufoni. Influenced by the greats, Bufoni’s dedication to her craft is truly admirable.

Her sponsorship journey wasn’t easy, but her tenacity shone through. She is a beacon to aspiring skateboarders, demonstrating that hard work and passion can overcome any hurdle to make your mark on this thrilling sport.

Leticia Bufoni’s rise to fame is remarkable, from her early passion for ridingin Brazil to becoming a dominant force in this sport. Moving to the United States, she turned pro at 17 and achieved significant success, winning X Games medals and advancing women’s skating.

Her social media influence and major sponsorships have expanded her reach, making her an international skateboarding industry leader. Representing Brazil in the Olympics, Bufoni continues to inspire and empower others, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and beyond.

Conclusion

This sport is not just about learning new moves; it’s also about fostering a community of sharing and growth. We encourage you to share your experiences and feedback with us and to inspire others with your progress. Remember, this is a sport that allows for creativity, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment as you push yourself to achieve new heights on your board.

You can become a skilled and confident skateboarder by perfecting your balance, embracing consistent practice, and learning from mistakes. Along the way, take inspiration from the incredible careers of legends like Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Leticia Bufoni, who have left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired generations of skateboarders.

At FamilyHype, we are dedicated to providing the best resources and information all about this sport, and we invite you to join us on this thrilling and dynamic journey through the world of freestyle riding. So, strap on your helmets, lace up those sneakers, and make some history together! Let’s create a vibrant community where we can all grow, learn, and have fun on four wheels.

Freestyle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How Can I Get Better?

To improve your skills, practice regularly and focus on mastering the fundamental tricks, like Ollies, Kickflips, and two wheels. Work on your balance, board control, and footwork.

Additionally, watch tutorials, learn from experienced skaters, and don’t be afraid to push yourself to try new moves, like the backside shove it. This trick involves using the nose of the board to spin the skateboard 180 degrees along its axis, with the back wheels sliding in the opposite direction. It requires precise footwork and timing to execute the maneuver smoothly. Practice the backside shove while maintaining a stationary position and using your pushing foot to initiate the spin. Consistent practice and determination will help you progress and master this impressive skateboarding trick.

How Many Years Does It Take To Get Good?

The time it takes to become proficient at the sport varies from person to person. Some may see significant progress within a few months, while others may take several years to master advanced tricks. Consistent practice, dedication, and perseverance are key to improving.

How Do I Get Better At Flat-Ground Riding?

Focus on perfecting moves like Ollies, Kickflips, Pop Shove-its, and 180s to improve your flat-ground skills. Work on your balance and foot placement to maintain control during moves. Regularly practice these maneuvers and gradually progress to more complex moves, such as the nose ollie, where you lift the front wheels of the skateboard off the ground using your front foot.

Challenge yourself with one-foot tricks, like riding only one foot on the board or popping an Ollie with only your back foot. Try sliding your board touching the ground on its back bolts for a smooth and stylish maneuver. Experiment with two-wheel tricks, like manual variations, which involve balancing on just two skateboard wheels. These advanced techniques will elevate your skills and add a new dimension to your flat-ground repertoire. Keep practicing and pushing your limits to become a more versatile and confident flat-ground skateboarder.

How Can I Practice It At Home?

While riding at home may be limited, you can practice almost every trick on a skateboard deck placed on a carpet or grass. Challenge yourself with tic tacs, a simple maneuver where you use your feet to pivot the board back and forth while standing still. You can also try “walk the dog,” a fun trick where you use your feet to make the skateboard roll forward and backward, like walking a dog on a leash.

Experiment with foot positioning, using the side of the board to lift the front or back end for different moves. Focus on improving your balance and control as you lift your toes to make the skateboard tilt and pivot. Speed up your walk or slow it down to explore how it affects the board’s movement. By practicing these moves at home, you can fine-tune your skills and stay engaged with the sport even when you can’t hit the streets or skate parks.

What Not To Do When Riding?

Avoid neglecting safety gear, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, when street riding. Also, do not attempt flips beyond your skill level without proper training and practice. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow skate park rules to prevent accidents and injuries. Avoid attempting a drop point without assessing the risk and ensuring you have the necessary skills to execute it safely. It is an exhilarating sport, but it requires caution and responsibility to enjoy it to the fullest while minimizing the risk of injuries.

Why Can’t I Get Better At This Sport?

Several factors can affect your progress in the sport. Lack of consistent practice, fear of trying new moves, and improper technique can hinder improvement. Stay patient, seek guidance from experienced skaters, and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Why Is This The Hardest Sport?

This sport is considered challenging because it requires a unique blend of physical and mental skills. It demands balance, coordination, precise timing, and a willingness to take risks. The learning curve can be steep, but the sense of accomplishment when mastering tricks makes it a rewarding sport.

Why Is Riding So Tiring?

This sport involves continuous physical movement, such as pushing, turning, and executing tricks, which can be physically demanding. Experienced skaters often create videos to teach others their techniques. It engages various muscle groups, leading to fatigue. Additionally, the mental focus required during riding can contribute to the feeling of tiredness.

Is It Too Late For Me To Learn How To Ride?

It is never too late to start riding! People of all ages take up this as a hobby or sport. While it may take longer for older individuals to learn certain tricks, dedication, and consistent practice can lead to significant improvement at any age.

Can I Learn This Sport At 40?

Yes, you can learn this sport at 40 or actually, any age! Many adults take up the sport as a form of exercise and a fun recreational activity. Like any other age group, consistent practice and determination are essential to improve your skills. Remember to prioritize safety and enjoy the process!

Last Updated on December 22, 2023 by Inma Barquero

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Freestyle Tricks: Skateboarding