5 Beginner Skateboard Tricks Every New Skater Should Master

5 Beginner Skateboard Tricks Every New Skater Should Master

By Wes Huber on 8/30/2024

Whether you're just stepping on a skateboard for the first time,

or looking to expand your skill set, mastering a few basic tricks can make your skateboarding experience much more enjoyable. These foundational moves not only look cool but also help you gain confidence and improve your balance. Here's a list of five beginner skateboard tricks that every new skater should learn.

1. The Ollie

The Ollie is the bread and butter of skateboarding. It’s the trick that opens the door to a whole world of possibilities. At its core, an Ollie is when you pop the tail of your board while sliding your front foot up the deck, causing the skateboard to jump into the air with you. Despite its simplicity, the Ollie is one of the most important tricks to master because it’s the foundation for many other tricks, such as kickflips, heelflips, and even more advanced maneuvers.

Why Learning the Ollie is Crucial

Mastering the Ollie is essential for any skateboarder, whether you’re a street skater or enjoy hitting the skate park. The Ollie not only allows you to hop over obstacles and onto ledges, but it also helps you understand how to control the board while it's in the air. Once you have the Ollie down, you’ll find it much easier to learn other tricks that require jumping, spinning, or flipping the board.

Steps to Perform an Ollie

Learning to Ollie can be broken down into several key steps. Here’s how to do it:

Foot Placement: Place your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot slightly behind the front bolts. Your back foot should be centered on the tail, and your front foot should be angled slightly toward the nose.
Popping the Tail: Apply pressure with your back foot to snap the tail of the board against the ground. This pop is what gives the board its upward momentum.
Sliding the Front Foot: As you pop the tail, jump and simultaneously slide your front foot up the board. This motion helps to level out the board in the air, ensuring that it rises with you.
Landing: After leveling the board in the air, prepare to land by guiding the board back to the ground with your feet. Try to land with your feet over the bolts for maximum stability.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning the Ollie takes time and practice, and it’s common to encounter a few challenges along the way. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Not Popping the Tail Hard Enough: If you’re not popping the tail with enough force, the board won’t get off the ground. Make sure to apply a strong, quick snap to the tail.
Incorrect Foot Slide: If your front foot isn’t sliding correctly, the board won’t level out. Focus on dragging your foot up the grip tape with the side of your shoe.
Not Jumping: Remember to jump as you pop the tail. The Ollie is a coordinated motion that requires you to pop, jump, and slide your foot all at once.

Video Tutorials to Help You Master the Ollie

Watching video tutorials can be extremely helpful when learning the Ollie. Here are some great YouTube videos to guide you through the process:

Practice Tips for Mastering the Ollie

To get better at the Ollie, consistency is key. Here are some tips to help you practice:

Start Stationary: Begin by practicing your Ollies while standing still. This will help you focus on the pop and foot movement without worrying about balancing while rolling.
Progress to Rolling Ollies: Once you’re comfortable with stationary Ollies, try them while rolling at a slow speed. Gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.
Use a Soft Surface: Practicing on grass or carpet can help reduce the impact of falls and make you feel more secure when learning.
Visualize Your Movements: Before you attempt an Ollie, visualize the sequence of movements in your head. This mental practice can help improve your coordination.

Conclusion

The Ollie is the foundation of many skateboarding tricks and is essential for every skateboarder to learn. While it may seem challenging at first, with dedication and practice, you’ll be popping Ollies like a pro in no time. Remember to stay patient, practice regularly, and make use of the available resources, such as video tutorials, to help you along the way.

2. The Shuvit (Shove-It)

The Shuvit, or Shove-It, is a simple yet stylish trick that involves spinning the skateboard 180 degrees under your feet without flipping it. As one of the first tricks many skateboarders learn, it’s a great way to build your confidence and understanding of board control. The Shuvit doesn’t require the board to leave the ground too much, making it an accessible trick for beginners who have already become comfortable with the Ollie. Not only does it look cool, but mastering the Shuvit will also pave the way for learning more complex tricks like the Pop Shuvit and 360 Shuvit.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Shuvit

The Shuvit might look effortless when done correctly, but it involves a precise combination of footwork and balance. The trick is all about spinning the board beneath you while keeping your body centered and stable. Unlike the Ollie, where the board and your feet both leave the ground, the Shuvit mainly requires a scooping motion with your back foot to get the board spinning.

In a Shuvit, the back foot does most of the work. It scoops the tail of the board in the direction you want the board to spin, while the front foot lightly guides the nose of the board to maintain control. Your body should stay relatively still, allowing the board to spin under you before you land back on it. The key to a clean Shuvit is timing—learning when to jump, spin, and land takes practice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Shuvit

Here’s how you can learn to perform a Shuvit:

Foot Placement: Place your back foot on the tail of the board, with your toes hanging off slightly. Your front foot should be near the center of the board, positioned flat to help guide the spin.
Scoop with the Back Foot: To initiate the spin, use your back foot to scoop the tail of the board behind you. This motion will cause the board to rotate 180 degrees.
Light Front Foot Guidance: As the board spins, use your front foot to lightly guide the nose of the board, helping it stay level and controlled during the spin.
Jump and Stay Centered: As soon as you initiate the spin, jump slightly to allow the board to rotate beneath you. Keep your body centered and your eyes on the board.
Catch and Land: Once the board completes its 180-degree spin, catch it with your feet and land. Aim to land with your feet over the bolts to maintain stability.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

As with any trick, beginners often encounter some common issues when learning the Shuvit. Here’s how to address them:

Over-Rotating: If the board spins more than 180 degrees, you’re likely scooping too hard with your back foot. Try to apply a bit less force when initiating the spin.
Under-Rotating: If the board isn’t completing the spin, you might not be scooping hard enough. Focus on getting a quick, sharp scoop with your back foot.
Landing Off-Center: If you find yourself landing off the board or losing balance, make sure you’re jumping straight up and staying centered over the board throughout the trick.
Board Flipping: If the board is flipping while spinning, check your foot placement. Your front foot should guide the board lightly, without applying too much pressure, which can cause the board to flip unintentionally.

Video Tutorials to Help You Master the Shuvit

Watching video tutorials can greatly improve your understanding of the Shuvit. Here are some helpful YouTube videos:

Practice Tips for Perfecting the Shuvit

Like any skateboarding trick, the Shuvit requires consistent practice. Here are some tips to help you master it:

Start Stationary: Begin practicing Shuvits while standing still. This allows you to focus on the footwork without worrying about rolling balance.
Progress to Rolling: Once you’re comfortable with stationary Shuvits, try performing them while rolling slowly. As you gain confidence, gradually increase your speed.
Practice Scooping: Spend extra time practicing the scooping motion with your back foot. This is the most critical part of the Shuvit, and getting it right will make the trick much easier.
Visualize the Trick: Before attempting the Shuvit, take a moment to visualize the motion in your head. This mental preparation can help improve your execution.

Conclusion

The Shuvit is a fun and stylish trick that every beginner skateboarder should learn. By mastering the scoop and maintaining control, you’ll be able to add this impressive move to your trick repertoire. Remember to practice regularly, stay patient, and use the video tutorials provided to help guide your progress. With time, you’ll be landing Shuvits with ease and style.

3. The Manual

The Manual is the skateboarding equivalent of a wheelie on a bicycle. It’s a trick that requires you to balance on your back wheels while riding, without letting the tail touch the ground. Although the concept is simple, the Manual is a fundamental trick that significantly improves your balance, coordination, and overall board control. Mastering the Manual not only looks impressive but also enhances your ability to execute more complex tricks that require precise weight distribution.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Manual

At first glance, the Manual might seem easy, but it’s a trick that demands a good sense of balance and body control. The key to a successful Manual is maintaining your balance while keeping the tail of the board off the ground as you ride. Unlike other tricks that involve popping or flipping the board, the Manual focuses purely on balance and control.

To perform a Manual, you need to shift your weight towards the back of the board while keeping your front wheels elevated. The challenge lies in maintaining this position over varying distances without letting the tail touch the ground or losing your balance. The Manual is an excellent way to train your ability to control your skateboard with subtle movements of your body.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Manual

Here’s how you can learn to perform a Manual:

Foot Placement: Position your back foot over the tail of the board, with your front foot near the front bolts. Your back foot should apply enough pressure to lift the front wheels off the ground.
Shifting Weight: Gently shift your weight towards the back of the board to lift the front wheels. Focus on keeping your center of gravity low and balanced.
Maintain Balance: Once the front wheels are off the ground, maintain your balance by adjusting your weight forward or backward as needed. Keep your knees bent and your body relaxed.
Control the Distance: As you get more comfortable, practice holding the Manual for longer distances. Start with short Manuals and gradually increase the distance as your balance improves.
Ending the Manual: To exit the Manual, gently shift your weight forward to lower the front wheels back onto the ground smoothly.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

While learning the Manual, it’s common to encounter a few issues. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to correct them:

Tail Dragging: If the tail of your board keeps touching the ground, you’re likely shifting too much weight backward. Try to find a balance point where the front wheels are off the ground, but the tail doesn’t drag.
Losing Balance Quickly: If you can’t maintain the Manual for more than a second or two, focus on keeping your knees bent and your core engaged. Small adjustments in your weight can make a big difference in maintaining balance.
Overcompensating: If you find yourself falling forward or backward often, it might be because you’re overcompensating with your weight shifts. Try to make more subtle adjustments to stay balanced.

Video Tutorials to Help You Master the Manual

Watching video tutorials can greatly enhance your understanding of the Manual. Here are some helpful YouTube videos:

Practice Tips for Perfecting the Manual

Consistent practice is the key to mastering the Manual. Here are some tips to help you perfect this trick:

Start Slow: Begin by practicing your Manuals at a slow speed. This allows you to focus on finding your balance without worrying about momentum.
Use a Slight Decline: Practicing on a slight decline can help you maintain momentum while you focus on balancing. Just be sure the slope is gentle enough to allow for controlled practice.
Strengthen Your Core: A strong core is essential for maintaining balance. Consider incorporating core exercises into your routine to improve your Manual.
Visualize the Trick: Before attempting the Manual, take a moment to visualize the motion and balance in your mind. This mental preparation can improve your focus and execution.

Conclusion

The Manual is a fundamental skateboarding trick that every skater should learn. It helps develop your balance and control, which are crucial for advancing to more complex tricks. With regular practice and patience, you’ll be able to hold Manuals for longer distances and incorporate them into your skateboarding repertoire. Use the video tutorials provided to guide your practice and stay dedicated to improving your skills.

4. The Kickturn

The Kickturn is a fundamental skateboarding skill that every skater should master. This maneuver allows you to quickly change direction on your skateboard by lifting the front wheels off the ground and pivoting on the back wheels. The Kickturn is an essential skill for navigating ramps, bowls, and tight spaces, making it a crucial technique for both street skaters and those who enjoy park skating. Learning to Kickturn will give you greater control over your skateboard and improve your overall riding ability.

Why the Kickturn is Essential

The Kickturn is not just a basic trick; it’s a building block for many other maneuvers in skateboarding. Whether you’re skating on flat ground, transitioning in a bowl, or cruising down the street, the ability to quickly and smoothly change direction without losing momentum is invaluable. The Kickturn helps you navigate obstacles, make sharp turns, and maintain control in various skate environments. As you progress, you’ll find that mastering the Kickturn will make learning more advanced tricks much easier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Kickturn

Here’s how you can learn to perform a Kickturn:

Foot Placement: Place your back foot on the tail of the board, with your front foot near the front bolts. Your back foot will be the pivot point, so ensure it’s securely placed on the tail.
Lifting the Front Wheels: Gently apply pressure on the tail with your back foot to lift the front wheels off the ground. This motion should be controlled and smooth, with your front foot staying relaxed but ready to guide the board.
Pivoting: Once the front wheels are off the ground, use your shoulders and upper body to initiate the turn. Twist your shoulders in the direction you want to turn, and your hips and legs will naturally follow, guiding the board through the turn.
Completing the Turn: As you finish the turn, gently lower the front wheels back to the ground. Aim to land with your front wheels aligned with your desired direction of travel, ensuring a smooth continuation of your ride.
Practice Both Directions: Make sure to practice Kickturns in both directions (frontside and backside) to become comfortable with turning either way.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

While learning the Kickturn, you might encounter some common mistakes. Here’s how to correct them:

Overturning: If you find yourself overturning or spinning too far, you might be applying too much force with your upper body. Try to make more controlled, gradual movements with your shoulders to guide the board through the turn.
Underturning: If your turns are too shallow or you’re not turning enough, you might not be lifting the front wheels high enough or using enough rotation in your shoulders. Focus on getting a good lift with the tail and using your upper body to lead the turn.
Losing Balance: If you’re losing balance during the turn, make sure your knees are slightly bent and your weight is centered over the board. Keeping your body relaxed and flexible will help you maintain control throughout the turn.

Video Tutorials to Help You Master the Kickturn

Watching video tutorials can greatly enhance your understanding of the Kickturn. Here are some helpful YouTube videos:

Practice Tips for Perfecting the Kickturn

As with any skateboarding trick, practice is key to mastering the Kickturn. Here are some tips to help you improve:

Start on Flat Ground: Begin practicing your Kickturns on flat ground where you can focus on the mechanics without the added challenge of inclines or obstacles.
Gradually Increase the Turn Angle: Start with small, gentle turns and gradually work your way up to sharper turns as your confidence and control improve.
Practice on Ramps: Once you’re comfortable with flat ground Kickturns, try them on a slight ramp or incline. This will help you get used to maintaining control in different skate environments.
Visualize Your Turns: Before attempting a Kickturn, visualize the movement in your mind. This mental practice can help you better execute the turn with control and confidence.

Conclusion

The Kickturn is an essential skateboarding skill that every skater should learn. It allows you to change direction quickly and efficiently, whether you’re skating on flat ground, ramps, or in a bowl. By practicing regularly and using the tips and video tutorials provided, you’ll be able to master the Kickturn and incorporate it into your skateboarding repertoire. Remember to stay patient and focused, and soon you’ll be turning with precision and style.

5. The Tic-Tac

The Tic-Tac is a fundamental skateboarding maneuver that every beginner should learn. It involves shifting your weight back and forth to create momentum without pushing off the ground with your foot. The Tic-Tac is essential for understanding how to control your skateboard using subtle body movements, and it’s a great way to practice your balance and coordination. This maneuver is not only useful for getting around without pushing, but it also serves as a great workout for your legs and core, helping you build the strength needed for more advanced tricks.

Why the Tic-Tac is Important

The Tic-Tac might seem simple, but it plays a crucial role in building your foundational skills as a skateboarder. By learning to Tic-Tac, you’ll develop a better understanding of how foot placement and weight distribution affect your ability to maneuver the board. This trick is particularly useful when you need to maintain momentum in tight spaces or when starting out on a slope. Mastering the Tic-Tac will also make it easier to learn other tricks that require quick, precise movements on the board.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Tic-Tac

Here’s how you can learn to perform a Tic-Tac:

Foot Placement: Start with your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot near the front bolts. Your feet should be positioned so that you can easily shift your weight from side to side.
Initiating the Turn: Use your shoulders and upper body to twist in the direction you want to turn. As you twist, shift your weight to your back foot, lifting the front wheels slightly off the ground.
Quick Directional Changes: Quickly shift your weight back to your front foot, bringing the front wheels back down and immediately twisting your shoulders in the opposite direction to initiate the next turn.
Building Momentum: Continue this back-and-forth motion in quick succession. Each small turn should build on the previous one, gradually increasing your speed and momentum without the need to push off the ground.
Staying Balanced: Keep your knees slightly bent and your movements fluid. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and balance as you move back and forth.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

As with any skateboarding maneuver, beginners may encounter some challenges while learning the Tic-Tac. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to correct them:

Overturning: If you find yourself making large, sweeping turns instead of quick, tight ones, you might be twisting your shoulders too much. Focus on making smaller, more controlled movements to keep the Tic-Tac tight and effective.
Loss of Momentum: If your Tic-Tacs aren’t building momentum, it could be due to a lack of rhythm or speed in your movements. Try to keep a consistent pace and make your directional changes more rapid to increase momentum.
Losing Balance: If you’re struggling to maintain balance, make sure your knees are bent and your weight is centered over the board. Keeping your movements smooth and controlled will help you stay balanced.
Stiff Movements: If your Tic-Tacs feel rigid, focus on loosening up your body, especially your shoulders and knees. The Tic-Tac should feel like a fluid, rhythmic motion, not a series of stiff jerks.

Video Tutorials to Help You Master the Tic-Tac

Video tutorials are an excellent way to visualize the Tic-Tac and learn how to execute it properly. Here are some helpful YouTube videos:

Practice Tips for Perfecting the Tic-Tac

To master the Tic-Tac, consistent practice is key. Here are some tips to help you improve:

Start on Flat Ground: Begin practicing on a flat, smooth surface where you can focus on the mechanics of the Tic-Tac without the distraction of inclines or rough terrain.
Focus on Rhythm: The Tic-Tac is all about rhythm and timing. Practice making your turns in a smooth, rhythmic pattern to maintain balance and build momentum effectively.
Gradually Increase Speed: As you become more comfortable with the motion, start increasing the speed of your Tic-Tacs. This will help you build momentum more quickly and smoothly.
Visualize Your Movements: Before attempting the Tic-Tac, visualize the back-and-forth motion in your mind. This mental preparation can help you execute the trick more confidently and fluidly.

Conclusion

The Tic-Tac is a fundamental skateboarding maneuver that helps you build momentum and improve your balance without needing to push off the ground. By mastering this trick, you’ll gain greater control over your skateboard and develop a deeper understanding of how foot placement and weight distribution affect your movement. Use the tips and video tutorials provided to guide your practice, and with time, you’ll be able to Tic-Tac with confidence and style.

Final Thoughts

Mastering these five beginner skateboard tricks will set a solid foundation for your skateboarding journey. Each trick teaches you something different about balance, timing, and board control, all of which are essential as you progress to more advanced moves. Remember, practice is key, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t land these tricks right away. Keep pushing, and most importantly, have fun with it!