Basic tricks in skateboarding

Ages are changing, but a pastime is still popular among the younger generations - skateboarding. It is much more than a board on 4 wheels. It is a subculture, a way of life, and an expression of emotion. Skateboarding has been creating communities among young people around the world for decades. Apart from being a purely amateur activity, skateboarding can become a real endeavor - a professional sport with many competitions.

Probably many of us who grew up in the 90's and the beginning of this, we spent time playing the popular video game "Tony Hawk Pro Skater". In it, the player is challenged to do a number of combinations of different tricks on a skateboard, riding on specially designed tracks and skate parks. The points correspond to the level of difficulty of the trick performed. For those just entering the world of skateboarding, let's take a look at some of the basic tricks and techniques in this captivating million-dollar sport.

Basic skateboard tricks

1. "Ollie": The "Ollie" trick is often considered popular among skateboarders and is one of the first things beginners learn to perform. "Ollie" is a type of jump in which the board remains glued to the rider's feet. To perform it, you need to squat and press the back of the skateboard with one foot. The movement should be fast and sharp, generating a push from the ground. Once in the air, tilt your body and legs forward to land on the front wheels. Sound difficult? Do not worry. Try again and again and you will succeed!

2. Kick-turn: This is a basic type of exercise and technique for turning on a skateboard. Initially, experts recommend that you try the skateboard in a stopped position. With your supporting leg, press the tail of the board lightly, lifting your nose. Be careful not to touch the edge of the board to the ground. For this purpose, it is important that your body weight is slightly tilted to the side, in the direction of the tail. Then rotate your body, setting the direction you want to turn the skateboard. When you get used to it, move at a light speed and try the same driving exercise. Here the balance of the body and the work with the ankles is of primary importance. Do not hurry!

3. Kick-flip: This is a more advanced trick that requires you to have perfected the previous two techniques. The technique is similar to that of the Ollie, with the difference that when bouncing, the front leg is pushed along the edge of the board, generating a rotation of the board around its axis (like a pump). Only when the skateboard has made a full turn, land on it. Watch your board carefully to avoid injuries!

4. Grind: This is a technique in which a skateboarder slides horizontally on a lever, ramp, or ladder. Here it is important that the contact of the board with the surface is on the trucks, not on the wheels or the board. When switching to this trick, it is advisable to wear a helmet and knee pads. Falling can be extremely painful!

Skateboarding is a sport that brings with it a high level of excitement and adrenaline. The tricks and techniques we have presented to you are just a small part of the huge range of possibilities with the board. Like any other sport, hard training and patience are an integral part of progress. Before you are tempted to go down the steep ramps, perfect the basic techniques of skateboarding. Good luck boys and girls!