Novice riders often find that even the most basic skateboarding tricks are difficult. Maintaining a centered riding stance will help prevent you from losing balance while controlling the board. Avoid high-traffic areas when practicing new tricks. Find other beginners at your local skateboard park or training facility.
Selecting a Stance
When selecting a dominant riding stance, you must first determine which foot you lead with. Perform a simple test while standing in a stationary position. Lean forward slowly until you lose your balance. Whichever foot you catch yourself with is the dominant foot. Align your nondominant foot over the four bolts located near the skateboard's nose. Place your dominant foot on the curvature of the tail. If you prefer your right foot in the lead position, you have a goofy stance. If you feel more comfortable with your left foot up front, you have a regular stance.
The Manual
Learning a skateboarding trick known as the manual will allow you to increase your board control. According to the skateboard professionals at The Berrics, the manual trick involves balancing on only two of the four skateboarding wheels. Slide your lead foot backward to rest on the middle of the board. Push down on the tail of the board to lift the front wheels. Balance on the two rear wheels of the skateboard to perform the manual. Balance on the front two wheels to execute a more difficult variation known as the nose manual.
Kickflip
Practicing the kickflip on flat ground will enable you to get comfortable with the proper foot position and technique. Place your nondominant foot in the center of the board with your heel hanging off the edge. Push down with your dominant foot. Jump vertically as you hear the tail smack against the ground. Slide your lead foot forward while kicking against the edge of the board. Lift your feet as the board flips beneath you. Lower your skate shoes as the board completes the kickflip. Bend your knees to absorb the landing impact.
Frontside 50-50
The frontside 50-50 is the most basic of all skateboarding grinds. Learn the frontside 50-50 grind on a waxed ledge at your local skateboarding park. Approach the obstacle with the toe edge of your skateboard parallel to the ledge. Push down on the tail while jumping vertically. Slide your lead foot forward to level out the board. Align the two metallic trucks of the skateboard on the edge of the ledge. Professional skateboarder Chris Troy recommends keeping your feet centered over the bolts as you grind across the ledge.
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