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The Ultimate Guide to Skateboarding Tricks: Types and Tips You Need to Know

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Skateboarding is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle, a culture, and a way of life. For many, mastering the types of skateboarding tricks is a journey that transforms beginners into confident riders and skilled shredders. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to take your skills to the next level, understanding the various types of skateboarding tricks is essential for anyone who wants to fully embrace this thrilling activity. From the basics like ollies and kickflips to more complex maneuvers such as grind variations and air tricks, the world of skateboarding offers endless possibilities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the types of skateboarding tricks, from the easiest tricks for beginners to the most challenging ones for advanced riders. We’ll also delve into the terminology, resources, and tips that will help you improve your skills and enjoy the thrill of skating. So, grab your board, watch out for obstacles, and get ready to discover the exciting universe of skateboarding tricks.

Key Takeaways

Master the Ollie: The foundation of many tricks, enabling flips and combos.

Nail the Kickflip: A classic trick that every skater should know for versatility.

Grind Your Way to Style: Slide smoothly on rails and curbs for a polished look.

Pop Shove-it for Combo Fun: Combine hops and slides for creative sequences.

Conquer the 360 Flip: Impress with mid-air rotations and style.

Varial for Advanced Flips: Add a unique twist to your air tricks.

Boardslide with Balance: Glide effortlessly on ramps and ledges.

Gap Kickflip for Distance: Clear obstacles with precision and flair.

Switch Stance for 50-50: Show off your adaptability mid-air.

These tricks cover a spectrum of skill levels, from basics to advanced maneuvers, helping you progress and excel in skateboarding.

What Are the Types of Skateboarding Tricks for Beginners?

Kickflip Boards offers a variety of skateboarding tricks for beginners, each requiring practice and patience. Here’s a breakdown of some fundamental tricks to get you started:

  • Ollie: Mastering the ollie is often the first trick beginners learn. It involves popping the board slightly before landing on it, allowing you to continue rolling.
  • Grind Slashes: Grind slashes involve sliding the board onto an edge and performing a kickflip or pop while the board is in motion. Practice on rails or ledges.
  • Kickflip: The classic kickflip combines a pop of the nose with a flick of the tail. Keep your weight forward and pop the board sharply.
  • 50-50: Similar to the kickflip, the 50-50 involves flipping the board over the front lip. Stay low and keep your knees bent for balance.
  • Board Slide: Slide the board across surfaces like pavement or grass by pushing down with your feet. This trick helps with control and speed.
  • Manual: Manualing is when you ride the board without touching the deck, using the front wheels to steer. Practice on flat ground or small slopes.
  • Backside Tailslide: A modern trick involving sliding the back foot over the tail while the board spins. Use a smooth, controlled motion.
  • Gap Kickflip: Gap jumps require landing over a gap between objects. Time your pop perfectly to clear the gap smoothly.
  • Varial Heelflip: Combine a heelflip with a spin to land on the opposite side of the board. This trick takes practice and timing.
  • Impossible: The impossible involves riding the board upside down. Start with a 180 flip and work towards balancing the board.

For more detailed guides and tips, check out our skateboarding guides and maintenance tips . With consistent practice and the right approach, you’ll be mastering these tricks in no time!

What Are the Different Types of Skateboarding Tricks Everyone Should Know?

Here’s a breakdown of the essential skateboarding tricks every skater should master:

  1. Ollie : A fundamental air trick where the board is flipped upward using the front foot and lands on the tail. Perfect for building momentum for bigger moves.
  2. Grind Variations : Skating over edges like curbs, rails, or pipes. Common types include nosegrinds, tailgrinds, and feeble grinds, each requiring precise balance and control.
  3. Kickflip : A classic trick involving a backfoot snap to pop the board into the air while the front foot does a kick. It’s a staple in street skating.
  4. Pop Shove-it : Combines an ollie with a 90-degree rotation, allowing the board to pop vertically before landing on the ground or another surface.
  5. Boardslide : A smooth transition where the board slides along the ground while the rider stays on the deck, often used in combo tricks.
  6. Casper : Similar to a kickflip but executed with the front foot dragging the board before flipping it upwards.
  7. 360 Flip : An advanced flip trick where the board spins 360 degrees while in the air, requiring precise timing and foot placement.
  8. Impossible : A challenging trick where the board flips 180 degrees while mid-air, landing on the opposite side.
  9. Fakie Flip : Performed by flipping the board while moving backward, adding a unique twist to the traditional flip.
  10. Varial Flip : Combines a 180 flip with a 90-degree rotation, creating a dynamic maneuver that showcases technical skill.

For more tips and detailed guides on mastering these tricks, check out Kickflip Boards and explore resources from competitors like Skate Warehouse and 411 Skateboard Mag .

What Are the Various Types of Skateboarding Tricks You Should Know?

Skateboarding offers a wide variety of tricks that can be learned and mastered with practice. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of skateboarding tricks:

  1. Grind Tricks
    Grinds involve sliding a skateboard along surfaces like edges, curbs, or rails. Common grind tricks include:
  2. Board Slides : Sliding the board sideways while maintaining balance.
  3. Feeble Grinds : A specific type of grind where the board slides on the edge of a rail or curb.
  4. Tail Grinds : Performing grinds near the tail of the skateboard.
  5. Air Tricks
    Air tricks involve jumping off the skateboard mid-air and landing on another surface. These tricks require timing and precision:
  6. Kickflips : Flipping the board 180 degrees while in the air.
  7. 360 Flip : A more advanced kickflip variation where the board spins 360 degrees before landing.
  8. Varial Flip : Combining a kickflip with a 180-degree rotation.
  9. Flip Tricks
    Flip tricks involve flipping the skateboard horizontally or vertically while in the air:
  10. Ollie : A classic trick where the board is flicked upwards and caught mid-air.
  11. 360 Ollie : Similar to an ollie but with an additional 360-degree rotation.
  12. Cork Screw : A vertical flip trick where the board spins while moving downward.
  13. Manual Tricks
    Manual tricks involve manually controlling the skateboard while it is stationary. Key examples include:
  14. Manuals : Holding the skateboard steady while performing tricks like ollies or flips.
  15. No-Foot Manual : Performing a manual trick with only one foot on the ground.
  16. Other Specialized Tricks
    Beyond the basics, there are specialized tricks that showcase creativity and skill:
  17. Bicycle Kick : Hopping on the board like a bicycle pedal.
  18. Shuvit Stick : A combination of a shov-it and a kickflip.
  19. Slope Style : Performing tricks on slopes or inclines.

Learning these tricks takes practice and patience. Start with the basics like ollies and kickflips, and gradually work your way up to more complex maneuvers. Remember to always wear protective gear and respect the environment when practicing.

For more tips and guides on mastering skateboarding tricks, visit our resources section .

Most Common Types of Skateboarding Tricks

Skateboarding offers a wide variety of tricks that challenge skill, creativity, and control. Here are some of the most common types of skateboarding tricks categorized by difficulty and style:

Manual Tricks

These tricks involve manual controls without grabbing the deck:

  • Ollie : A fundamental trick where the board is flipped upside down and the rider lands on the opposite side. Essential for many other tricks.
  • Grind : Sliding the board along edges like rails, curbs, or ledges while maintaining balance.
  • Boardslide : Similar to grinding but sliding the board over a surface like a bench or wall.

Ground Tricks

Tricks performed on the ground or flat surfaces:

  • Kickflip : A classic trick where the rider kicks the board into the air and lands forward while rotating 180 degrees.
  • Pop Shove-it : Hopping onto the board while shoving it forward with a pop.
  • Gap Kick : Landing a kickflip over a gap between objects like stairs or benches.

Air Tricks

Tricks performed mid-air during a jump:

  • 360 Flip : A flip combined with a 360-degree rotation in the air.
  • Varial Kickflip : Combining a kickflip with a 90-degree rotation in the air.
  • Double Kickflip : Performing two consecutive kickflips in the air.

Combo Tricks

Combining multiple tricks in one sequence:

  • Switchstance : Riding and landing on the opposite foot from regular stance.
  • Double Kick : Jumping and landing the board while performing a kickflip simultaneously.
  • Triple Kick : Performing three kickflips in quick succession while airborne.

Learning these tricks requires practice, proper equipment, and safety awareness. Consider visiting Kickflip Boards for guides, tips, and equipment recommendations. Explore more resources at Skate Warehouse and Amazon for skateboarding gear. Watch tutorials on YouTube and read reviews on Easton and Target for the best products. Check out Zumiez for skateboards and accessories. For pro-level gear, visit Baker Skateboards and Element Skateboards . Discover footwear options at Vans and Nike .

What Are the Different Types of Skateboarding Tricks?

Skateboarding tricks involve a variety of maneuvers that showcase skill, creativity, and control. Here are some of the most common types of skateboarding tricks:

  1. Grabs : These tricks involve grabbing the deck of the skateboard and performing maneuvers while holding onto the board. Examples include the Birds and the Cannons .
  2. Air Tricks : Air tricks are performed mid-air, typically when the skateboard is vertical. Examples include the Kickflip and the 360 Flip .
  3. Ground Tricks : These tricks involve interacting with the ground or another surface. Examples include the Board Slides and the Manual .
  4. Flip Tricks : Flip tricks involve flipping the skateboard 180 degrees or 360 degrees. Examples include the Ollie and the 360 Flip .
  5. Spin Tricks : Spin tricks involve rotating the skateboard around its axis. Examples include the Spins and the Double Spins .
  6. Combo Tricks : Combination tricks combine multiple moves into one sequence. Examples include the Kenny Powers and the Triple Kicker .

Each trick requires practice, patience, and a good understanding of the skateboard’s mechanics. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to progress, mastering these tricks can take time and dedication.

What are the most common types of skateboarding tricks everyone should know?

Here’s a list of the most common skateboarding tricks everyone should learn:

  • Ollie – The fundamental trick that involves flipping the board underfoot.
  • Kickflip – A classic trick where the rider kicks the board into the air and lands it flat.
  • Grind – Sliding the board along a surface like a rail or edge.
  • Pop Shove-it – Hopping onto the board while popping it into the air.
  • 360 Flip – A combination of an ollie and a 360 rotation in mid-air.
  • Varial – Similar to a 360 flip but with a 180-degree rotation.
  • Boardslide – Sliding the board down a ramp or ledge while balancing.
  • GAP Kickflip – A variation of the kickflip that clears a larger gap.
  • 50-50 – A trick where the rider switches stance mid-air during a grind.

These tricks cover a range of skill levels, from basic to advanced. Practicing these will help you progress and explore more complex maneuvers in skateboarding. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, mastering these fundamentals will enhance your riding experience.

Check out our complete guide to ollies and other foundational tricks on Kickflip Boards for more detailed tips and techniques.

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