At its most basic, skateboarding only requires you to balance yourself. But learning tricks involves a host of other skills. For example, many in-air tricks require you to jump, perform a complicated maneuver and then land flat on the moving board. To develop the necessary skills, observe how other skateboarders pull off difficult tricks, and practice often.
Start with the Basics
Skateboard tricks range from simple to incredibly difficult. The only way to master advanced tricks is to start with the basics. Develop a good sense of balance. Practice transitioning between different types of surfaces. For example, skate from a paved area to a concrete sidewalk. Once you are able to stay on the board, start off with some basic tricks. Try jumping slightly while the skateboard is moving. Your feet should leave the skateboard for an instant. Once you can safely and consistently do this, try jumping higher. Then move on to more difficult tricks. For example, an ollie is a jumping maneuver that skateboarders use to get the board into the air during a jump. To learn how to ollie, stand on the skateboard. Push your back foot down on the tail so that it smacks into the ground. Immediately after that, raise your legs and feet so that the board pops up underneath you. Use your front foot to level the board. Practice the ollie until you can do it smoothly and consistently. Then move on to more advanced tricks.
How to Practice
When you can't land a trick even after much practice, take some time to figure out what's wrong. Watch a professional skateboarder perform the trick. Try to mimic the body stance, foot placement and other elements. Visualize exactly what you want to do and then attempt it. If you fail, identify the cause of the failure. Videotape yourself if necessary. Were you going too fast? Is the ground too rough or too smooth? Do you need to jump higher so that you have more time to complete the trick? Once you find the problem, do whatever you can to correct it.
When a Trick Goes Wrong
At some point, you will try a trick and fail. The best way to avoid injury is to wear safety gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guard and gloves. Also, learn how skateboarders abandon a trick, a technique they call bailing. First, when you realize you will not land the trick, fling the board to the side as quickly as possible. Landing on the board increases your risk of serious injury. Second, orient your body so that you land on your feet. Because it is difficult to remember these tips while falling, practice proper bailing every chance you get, until it becomes second nature.
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