How to Do an Axle Stall: A Guide to Staying on the Coping

Ace the backside axle stall with our step-by-step guide. Take your skateboarding to the next level. Master stall, balance, drop in skate like a pro!

Sun shining, board underfoot, wind in your face, and there you are, standing on the lip of the ramp, stoked to do the Backside Axle Stall. The Backside Axle Stall is a classic trick that’s just as sick to execute as it is to behold. Learning the Axle Stall is like earning your stripes in skateboarding—it’s a novel assignment that unlocks further thrilling tricks. Are you ready to dive into this truly killer skateboarding maneuver?

What is a backside axle stall?

In a Backside Axle Stall, you ride up a ramp, then do a backside kickturn onto the coping, where both trucks stall for a moment before you drop back in to ride away. Think of it as pivoting on the edge of a ramp, then re-entering the ramp with style.

Image of a skateboarder doing a backside axle stall. Source: unsplash
Image of a skateboarder doing a backside axle stall. Source: unsplash
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My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

How to do an axle stall: a guide to staying on the coping | 61vn95mf7ql. Ac sl1184 | skateboard salad
My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

I had my board stolen a few years ago and was forced to quickly replace it with a complete. I got one with an Enjoi deck and loved it so much that I still buy the Whitey Panda deck each time I need a new deck. This complete with budget-friendly, beginner-friendly parts, but I still swear by it.

How do you execute a flawless axle stall? (Step-by-step guide)

  1. Start by gaining some speed. You aim to ride up the ramp high enough to reach the coping.
  2. As you ride up the ramp, prepping for the move, shift your weight slightly to your back foot. In the same smooth move, your front foot pushes over, guiding the front truck over the coping.
  3. Here’s the tricky bit: As your front truck goes over the coping, pivot your shoulders and feet so they align parallel with the coping. Dial in that 90-degree turn with finesse, and land your back truck onto the coping.
  4. If done correctly, your board is kissing the rim of the ramp with both trucks, with your outside wheels maybe touching the deck. It’s a moment of crazy balance and a killer music-video pose for extra points.
  5. To complete the trick, channel your courage, put extra pressure on your tail, and lift your board nose up and off the coping. Then, drop in with a fluid pivot and let the board roll back into the ramp.
  6. Your phase of initiation is over. Give a wild shout of ‘Rad!’, pump back down the ramp, and embrace the crazy rush of adrenaline.

If you are more of a visual learner, check out this video called How to Axel Stall.

Pro tips: the dreaded pivot

The pivot might prove tough at the start. If you find your back truck landing nicely but the front truck misses, aim for a harder pivot. You’ve got to commit to that 90-degree turn, no half-measures!

Remember to stay patient and pivot at the right time—when you’ve got enough height. Pivot too soon, and you’re undershooting the coping. Too fast, and you might sail right over. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t nail it the first time. The thrill lies in the chase, not just catching the prize.

Let’s spice it up a bit more. I’ve assembled a table of ‘dos and don’ts’ you can check as you hone this trick. This will solidify your understanding and give you some no-nonsense, practical guidance.

Do’sDon’ts
Start with speedDon’t pivot too early
Pivot after your front truck gets over copingDon’t rush the stall
Apply pressure on your tail for drop inDon’t undershoot or overshoot the coping
Drop in with a fluid pivotDon’t forget to practice and have fun
Dos and don’ts of axel stalls.

So, what’s next?

Now that you’ve got a handle on the Backside Axle Stall, the skateboarding world is your oyster! You’ve unlocked a new level of thrills and spills, setting yourself up for many other tricks. From grinding to sliding, there’s a whole universe of possibilities beyond the coping. Pumped for your next tantalizing trip to the skate park? I bet you are! So grab that board, get out there, and skate like a pro.

Image of a skateboarder doing a tall in a skatepark. Source: unsplash
How to do an axle stall: a guide to staying on the coping | image of a skateboarder doing a tall in a skatepark unsplash | skateboard salad

In skateboarding, just like life, it’s about the journey, not the destination. Part of that journey may involve understanding more components of skateboarding tricks like an Alley Oop or what it means to ride Fakie. Dive deeper into Skateboarding Culture, learn about the Evolution of Skateboard Decks, or go back to the basics with What is a Skateboard?. So much to learn, so many tricks to master!

Getting your feet wet with the nostalgic Backside Axle Stall is a pretty dope milestone in your skateboarding journey, my friend. Being able to lock onto the coping effortlessly, hold that freeze-frame of total shredding coolness, and then drop in with all guns blazing is pretty much every skateboarder’s dream.

How does mastering the axle stall shape your skateboarding journey?

A little birdy (a.k.a, my skateboarding buddy, Jake) told me once that mastering the Axle Stall felt like opening the doors to a brave new world. Alright, he didn’t phrase it quite so dramatically, but that was the gist. It’s kind of insane how one single trick could make you feel so accomplished, right?

Now, I ain’t no Tony Hawk, but in my humble and totally not-expert opinion, I think the heart of skateboarding is all about that rush of learning, growing, sometimes tumbling, and then rising again. It’s like life but on four tiny yet powerful wheels.

“I won’t quit skating until I am physically unable.” So get out there and shred!”

Tony Hawk

Speaking of new topics, let’s switch a bit. Skateboarding is not just about particular tricks, it’s about understanding the mechanics behind each movement. It’s about understanding what makes a good skateboard, the importance of the right wheels, or even the history of skateboarding.

It’s an exhilarating ocean of curiosity to explore, one trick, fact, and slam at a time. So go ahead and dive into the rad world of skateboarding. Keep pushing, keep falling, and keep rising. You’ve got a sick journey ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

As we journey into the exhilarating world of skateboarding tricks, you may have queries that need some shredding (I mean, sorting!). So, without further ado, let’s dive into these frequently asked mysteries of the backside axle stall.

How can I practice going high on the ramp for longer axle stalls?

Practice makes perfect, and height is all about succumbing to gravity a little less each time. Try increasing your speed and ensuring your pump is strong and efficient. Confidence also plays a big part; don’t panic when you get high, keep your cool, and you’re likely to sail higher.

What’s a good skatepark feature to practice this trick?

A mini ramp is your best bet for practicing this trick. It provides a controlled environment and a nice gentle curve, allowing you to increase your amplitude and confidence gradually.

Can I perform an axle stall on a street skateboard or longboard?

Technically, you could pull off an axle stall on any board that has a pair of trucks. However, the maneuverability of street or park skateboards makes them better suited for tricks like this. Plus, the shape of a street skateboard’s nose and tail makes pivoting much easier.

I often lose balance during the trick and fall; how can I improve my balance?

To improve balance, make sure you’re squarely over your board during the trick, and try squeezing that board with your feet. Every muscle in your body works towards balance! Plus, regularly inspect your hardware for any issues – read up on why your skateboard might turn on its own to ensure everything is sound.

Final thoughts

Congratulations! You’ve journeyed through the intricate methodology of mastering the Backside Axle Stall, a trick that doesn’t stall in adding a stroke of coolness to your skate repertoire. In terms of skateboarding bravado, let’s just say it’s more ‘rad’ and less ‘drag’. Laugh out loud, am I right?
stall

Did I cover everything you wanted to know? Hit up those comments below, and guess what? (drumroll, please) I read and reply to every comment. Skateboarding camaraderie, make no mistake, extends to digital spaces too! If this article got you stoked, pass on that stoke to a friend. And, if the skating bug has truly bitten you, flip through my full blog for more tips and tricks about skating life. Keep shredding, folks—after all, life, like skateboarding, is all about maintaining your balance amidst the craziest twists!

Key takeaways

This article covered mastering the essential skateboarding trick, the Backside Axle Stall. Here are some key takeaways:

  • The Backside Axle Stall is a foundational trick that every skateboarder should know.
  • The trick comprises three main stages: The run-up, the pivot and balance, and the re-entry.
  • Mastering this trick imparts critical balance and control skills.
  • Practice and patience are the formula for success.
  • Confidence and a strong pump can help you negotiate the ramp’s height.
  • The Axle Stall provides the foundation for other advanced tricks.

Helpful resources

Steven Portrate
Written by Steven Sadder, Staff Writer

Hey! I'm Steven, a lifelong skater, and proud New Yorker. I’ve been skating since I was a teenager. I may be a bit older now, but I'm not slowing down. Follow me for skating tips and latest gear reviews.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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