Learning how to push properly is one of the very first—and most important—skills every beginner skateboarder needs to master. Pushing is essentially how you get your skateboard rolling and gain momentum to glide smoothly and confidently. Without a solid foundation in pushing, skateboarding can feel awkward and unstable, making it tough to enjoy the ride or progress to more advanced tricks. This article will walk you through the basics of pushing, helping you develop balance, control, and speed so you can get out there and have fun on your board.
Understanding the Stance for Pushing
Before you even try to push, it’s important to get comfortable with how you stand on your skateboard. Your stance forms the foundation for your balance and movement, so understanding it will make pushing much easier. There are two main stances: regular and goofy.
- Regular stance: Left foot forward, right foot at the back for pushing.
- Goofy stance: Right foot forward, left foot at the back for pushing.
To figure out which stance feels natural, think about which foot you instinctively put forward to catch your balance or step first. Once you know your stance, place your front foot firmly on the board between the front trucks (the metal parts that hold the wheels). This foot remains stationary during pushing, while your back foot is free to push against the ground.
Keep your knees slightly bent and shoulders relaxed. This athletic stance helps maintain stability and absorb bumps as you move.
Step-by-Step Instructions on Pushing Techniques
Now that your stance is set, it’s time to push. Follow these steps to start building momentum:
- Step 1: Start with your front foot planted securely on the board, near the bolts of the front trucks. Your toes should point slightly forward, and your weight should be centered over this foot.
- Step 2: Lift your back foot off the board and place it flat on the ground behind you.
- Step 3: Push off the ground with the balls of your back foot. Use a smooth, controlled motion by extending your leg straight backward but not too far to maintain balance.
- Step 4: As you push, maintain your weight over your front foot and try to keep your upper body stable. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
- Step 5: Bring your back foot back onto the skateboard smoothly, placing it just behind the rear trucks as you roll forward.
- Step 6: Bend your knees to absorb the movement and prepare for the next push or to start coasting.
Practice these steps slowly at first, focusing on smooth, balanced movements. With time, your pushes will become more fluid and natural.
Tips for Building Speed and Maintaining Control
Once you’re comfortable pushing, you’ll want to increase your speed while still keeping full control of your skateboard. Here are some valuable tips to help you do just that:
- Keep Your Pushes Consistent: Try to use steady, even pushes rather than short, choppy ones. This will help build a smooth momentum that feels easier to control.
- Stay Low: Keep a low center of gravity by bending your knees even more as you gain speed. This stance increases stability and gives you better balance on uneven surfaces.
- Focus on Foot Placement: When your pushing foot returns to the skateboard, aim to land it firmly but gently behind the rear trucks. This placement gives you better leverage for the next push.
- Use Your Arms for Balance: Let your arms move naturally and freely, helping you keep your balance. Avoid stiff arms that can throw off your center of gravity.
- Look Forward: Keep your eyes focused ahead rather than down at your feet. This improves your sense of direction and helps anticipate obstacles.
- Practice Pushing with Both Feet: Although most skateboarders have a dominant pushing foot, practicing with both feet can improve balance and versatility.
Common Pushing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As a beginner, it’s normal to make mistakes when learning how to push. Recognizing and correcting these errors will speed up your progress and reduce frustration.
- Leaning Too Far Forward or Backward: This affects your balance and can cause falls. Keep your weight centered over the front foot with a slight bend in the knees.
- Using Too Much Force: Pushing too hard with a jerky motion can throw you off balance and waste energy. Push with a controlled, smooth motion to maintain stability.
- Placing the Back Foot Too Far from the Board: Extending your leg too far makes it difficult to bring your foot back on the board. Push within a comfortable range to maintain control and rhythm.
- Looking Down at Your Feet: This can make you lose awareness of your surroundings. Always look ahead to anticipate turns or obstacles.
- Stiff Body Posture: Keeping your arms and body rigid reduces your ability to balance. Stay relaxed and use your arms to help stabilize.
Safety Considerations When Pushing
Safety should always be a priority, especially when you’re still getting comfortable pushing on your skateboard. Here are some key safety tips:
- Wear Protective Gear: Always use a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. Falls are common for beginners, and protective gear reduces injury risk.
- Choose a Safe Location: Practice pushing in smooth, flat areas with minimal traffic and no cracks or debris. Avoid steep hills until you’re confident controlling your speed.
- Start Slow: Take your time to build basic skills before going faster or harder. Progress gradually to avoid accidents.
- Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pedestrians, vehicles, and other hazards.
- Learn How to Stop: Stationary balance and pushing are important, but knowing how to safely stop is critical. Practice foot braking or sliding as you improve.
Getting Comfortable Takes Time and Practice
Like any new skill, pushing on a skateboard takes practice, patience, and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t feel perfect right away. By focusing on proper stance, smooth pushing techniques, and good safety habits, you’re setting yourself up for success. Spend regular time practicing in a safe place, and you’ll soon notice your confidence and speed growing. Remember, every skateboarder started exactly where you are now—so keep pushing forward and enjoy the ride!
