How to Get Better at Skateboarding

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through essential techniques to improve your skateboarding skills, as outlined in the Skate IQ video. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these steps focus on balance, speed, and mastering tricks to elevate your skateboarding experience.

Step 1: Master Your Balance

Balance is fundamental to skateboarding and can be developed through various exercises.

Front Foot Balance

• Stand on your skateboard with your front foot positioned over the front truck.
• Focus on feeling the board beneath you while maintaining a slight bend in your knees.
• Practice shifting your weight forward and backward to enhance stability.

Back Foot Balance

• Shift your weight to your back foot while keeping your front foot on the board.
• Experiment with lifting your front foot slightly to feel how your back foot controls the board.
• Gradually incorporate gentle pushes to build confidence.

Hippy Jumps

• Start from a stationary position and practice hopping with both feet off the board.
• Aim to land back on the skateboard, focusing on a smooth re-entry.
• Increase height and distance gradually as you gain confidence.

Rotating vs Turning

• Understand the difference: rotating is about pivoting on the board, while turning involves shifting your weight to steer.
• Practice both techniques to enhance maneuverability.

Hippy Jump 180s

• Combine hippy jumps with a 180-degree rotation.
• Start with a small jump and gradually increase the rotation as you feel more comfortable.

Step 2: Build Speed

Speed is crucial for executing tricks and navigating skate parks.

• Begin by gaining momentum through gentle pushes.
• Practice pumping your legs while riding to maintain speed without constant pushes.
• Focus on balance while increasing your speed to ensure control.

Step 3: Learn Switch Riding

Riding switch can enhance your versatility on the board.

Standing on the Board

• Start by positioning yourself in the switch stance (opposite of your natural stance).
• Practice balancing in this position to get comfortable with the change.

Tic Tacs

• While riding switch, practice making small turns by shifting your weight from side to side.
• This movement helps control the board while maintaining speed.

Stopping

• Learn to stop while riding switch by dragging your back foot on the ground.
• Practice this maneuver until you feel confident stopping smoothly.

Step 4: Master the Fundamentals of Pop

The ollie is a foundational trick that allows for many others.

• Start with your back foot on the tail and your front foot positioned in the middle of the board.
• Pop the tail down while sliding your front foot up towards the nose.
• Focus on timing and coordination to lift the board off the ground.

Step 5: Learn Tricks

Once you have the fundamentals, start learning tricks.

BS 180

• Begin riding at a moderate speed and prepare for the trick with your knees bent.
• As you pop the tail, rotate your shoulders to initiate the 180-degree turn.
• Land with your knees bent to absorb the impact.

Kickflips

• Position your feet similar to an ollie but with your front foot angled slightly.
• Pop the tail and slide your foot up while flicking off the side of the board to initiate the flip.
• Practice catching the board with your feet to land correctly.

Transition Tricks

• Practice transitioning between ramps or obstacles.
• Focus on maintaining speed and balance while executing tricks.

Conclusion

Improving your skateboarding involves mastering balance, speed, switch riding, and tricks. Start with the basics, gradually working your way up to more complex maneuvers. Remember to practice consistently and stay patient with your progress. Happy skating!