Ready to elevate your skateboarding skills? Advanced skateboarding tricks are the gateway to pushing your limits and truly mastering the board. These tricks require not only technical prowess but also a blend of balance, creativity, and mental focus. Whether you’re aiming to impress at the skatepark or just challenge yourself, understanding these high-level maneuvers and how to train for them will get you there. Let’s dive into the world of complex tricks and explore strategies to make them yours.
Why Learn Advanced Skateboarding Tricks?
Once you’ve got the basics down—ollies, kickflips, and manuals—the thrill of skateboarding often comes from progression. Taking on advanced tricks gives you a sense of achievement and keeps the sport exciting and fresh. These tricks push your limits, requiring better control, timing, and creativity, and they also open doors for more fluid lines and combinations at the park. Plus, mastering advanced moves can boost your confidence and inspire others around you.
Prerequisites and Safety Considerations
Before diving into complex tricks like 360 flips or hardflips, it’s crucial to ensure you have a solid foundation. Comfort with intermediate tricks such as the kickflip, shove-it, and simple flips is essential because advanced tricks build directly on these basics.
Safety should never be overlooked. At this stage, wearing protective gear like a helmet, wrist guards, and knee pads can prevent injuries during those inevitable wipeouts. Also, make sure your skateboard is in good condition—tighten loose bolts and check the grip tape for grip quality. Practice on smooth, obstacle-free surfaces at first; once you feel comfortable, move to more challenging terrain.
Breakdown of Top Advanced Tricks
Let’s explore some of the standout advanced tricks that every ambitious skater should know about.
360 Flip (Tre Flip)
The 360 flip combines a kickflip and a 360-degree shove-it. It’s a flashy trick that requires spinning the board completely while flipping it in the air. The timing of the pop, flick, and catch is crucial for a clean landing.
Hardflip
The hardflip is a hybrid between a frontside shove-it and a kickflip, but with a unique twist: the skateboard flips inward towards the skater rather than outwards. It demands precise flipping motion and foot placement to control the board’s inward rotation.
Heelflip
The heelflip flips the board in the opposite direction of a kickflip, initiated by the heel instead of the toes. This trick calls for a different flick style and requires a confident, sharp flick motion to complete a clean full spin.
Techniques and Tips for Perfecting Each Trick
Here are some specific tips to help you master these advanced moves:
- 360 Flip: Start by practicing shove-its and kickflips separately to build muscle memory. Focus on popping the tail hard while flicking the front foot off the corner of the board at a diagonal angle. Commitment and eyeing the board closely in mid-air help with the catch.
- Hardflip: Place your front foot across the board with the heel near the nose’s edge. Pop the board strongly with your back foot while flicking the front foot inward, pushing the board between your legs. Timing the flick and jump is critical to avoid catching your foot on the board.
- Heelflip: Lean slightly toward your heel side as you pop the tail. Extend your front foot and flick outward off the board’s front heel side. Don’t drag your foot too much; a quick snap of the heel gets the board spinning cleanly.
Recommended Progression Drills
Breaking down these tricks into smaller components can accelerate your learning curve. Here are some drills to incorporate:
- Pop and Slide: Practice popping the board and sliding your feet into the flick position without completing the flip to develop muscle memory.
- Flip-only Practice: Toss the board in your hands and flick it to simulate the spin and flip motion; this builds coordination.
- Foot Placement Repetition: Without moving on the board, repeatedly place your feet in the correct positions for each trick to develop consistency.
- Catching Drills: Practice catching the board mid-flip by tossing it and aiming for a catch with your feet; this helps with reaction time and timing for landing.
Maintaining Balance and Control During Complex Tricks
Balance is key when executing demanding tricks. Keep your eyes focused on the board during the flip while maintaining a slight bend in your knees. This stance absorbs impact upon landing and keeps you stable. Core strength is essential too—strong abdominal and lower back muscles help you stay upright and respond mid-air. Regular balance exercises, such as using balance boards or practicing manuals, complement your trick training.
Overcoming Common Obstacles and Fear
Fear can be one of the biggest hurdles when tackling advanced skateboarding tricks. It’s normal to feel hesitant around unfamiliar moves, especially when they involve aerial spins and flips. Tackling this requires mental resilience:
- Start Small: Break the trick down to manageable parts and master each before linking them.
- Visualization: Imagine landing the trick smoothly. Mental practice can increase confidence.
- Patience: Progress might be slow and full of failures. Embrace the learning curve and don’t rush.
- Support: Skate with friends or a coach who can give feedback and encouragement.
Remember, falls are part of the process. Using protective gear and practicing in safe environments reduces injury risk and builds confidence.
Progressing as a Skateboarder
Mastery of advanced skateboarding tricks is a journey marked by persistent practice, resilience, and passion. Each new trick adds to your skillset, shaping your style and expanding your creativity on the board. Don’t hesitate to experiment with combining tricks, finding your flow, and challenging your boundaries. Celebrate small successes and keep pushing forward. With time, dedication, and smart training, you’ll unlock new levels in your skateboarding journey and enjoy the ride every step of the way.
