Skateboarding features tricks that become progressively more difficult as the participants acquire experience. Complex skateboarding tricks that seemingly defy gravity come only after finely tuning your skills over many years. But all skateboarders start at the same level: novice. Easy skateboarding tricks are often the launchpad for more challenging stunts. Many complex skateboarding tricks are based on an easy trick to which other techniques were added.
Ollie
The ollie, a popular skateboard trick, is appropriate for beginners. It is among the easiest of tricks to learn and more advanced tricks often require an initial of mastery of the ollie. The ollie is simply a skateboard jump. If you need to hop over a log or rock on a sidewalk, you would do so with an ollie. The initial stance can vary for this trick, but most riders place their front in the middle of the board. The back foot is positioned as far back on the board as possible while still retaining a solid contact. The trick is all in the back foot. When rolling, the ollie is started by a sharp and forceful slam onto the tail of the board with the back foot. You must jump simultaneously, and the back foot is again the starting point for the jump. Some riders will slide the front foot forward on the board as it tilts up. It is important to move as if you are making a high jump by pulling your knees up toward your torso. With some practice, the board will arch up into the air with your feet.
Manual
A "manual" on a skateboard is similar to a "wheely" on a bike. The front wheels remain off the ground through the entire trick while the rider skates solely on the back wheels. This trick relies mainly on muscle strength and balance. When doing this trick, your arms likely will flail out to the side much like a tightrope walker. You should wear a helmet when practicing this trick. If your manual fails, you will likely fall straight back while the board flies out ahead of you. Head injury is possible. Learn this trick in an area with lots of flat ground and open cement with no obstacles. A manual may look as though you are leaning back on the tail of the board, but to maintain balance you must actually lean forward while placing your wait on the back foot. If you lean back, you will surely fall. Riders can prepare for this odd balancing act by attempting to hold a manual position while the board is not moving.
Backside 180
After you learn to ollie, try the "backside 180." This looks like an ollie, but you land with the board 180 degrees turned around. When in the air during an ollie, twist your shoulders slightly. For beginners, you can prepare for the twist by "winding up" your shoulder with a slight twist in the opposite direction prior to the jump. Higher jumps make the 180 easier as there is more time to complete the turn.
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