The tail press involves balancing on the rear end of the board while sliding across a fiberglass box or metallic rail. The pliable snowboard will bend as you lean back onto the tail. The experts at "Transworld Snowboard" magazine recommend keeping your shoulders parallel to the obstacle while executing the tail press. You can add spins and variations to increase the difficulty of the tail press, also referred to as the 5-0 grind. Practice balancing the tail press on flat ground before heading to the terrain park.
Step 1
Rotate your snowboard 90 degrees to point the nose of the board down the slope. Bend your knees for balance as you glide down the slope. Shift your weight onto your back foot to lift the nose of the snowboard off the snow.
Step 2
Extend your arms for increased stability as you balance on the tail of the snowboard. Practice this balancing technique to get comfortable with the movements of the tail press. Lower the nose of the board onto the snow.
Step 3
Approach a small rail or ledge with the toe edge of your snowboard parallel to the obstacle. Bend your knees to compress your snowboarding stance.
Step 4
Extend your legs to jump vertically above the rail or ledge. Lean back onto the tail as your snowboard descends onto the grinding obstacle. Bend your knees while keeping the snowboard parallel to the rail or ledge.
Step 5
Lean forward as you slide off the end of the obstacle. Bend your knees once more to absorb the impact of the landing. Practice the tail press in the terrain park until you can land the maneuver consistently.
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