Skateboarding isn’t just about rolling on four wheels; it’s an art requiring the right gear and skills. Ever find yourself in the middle of a heated debate about which skateboard deck is the king of the street? I sure have, and let me tell you, opinions fly harder than a kickflip mcTwist.
In this post, we’ll dive into mastering intermediate skateboard tricks and why choosing the perfect deck can make or break your skate game.
Key takeaways
- Advance your skills with intermediate tricks like the frontside 180 and heelflip.
- Use more tips such as visualization and cross-training to enhance your skateboarding.
- Understand the pros and cons to push your skateboarding boundaries responsibly.
How can you elevate your skateboarding with these tricks?
Prepping for a challenge is crucial, and these tricks are about stepping up your game. They’re the bread and butter for any skater looking to transition from beginner ramps to full-on street cred. You’ve nailed the basics, now it’s time to tackle the middle ground, where consistency meets creativity.
This list is your map to the next big leap in your skating journey.
1. Frontside 180
Executing a smooth frontside 180 is about combining air with agility. It’s the natural progression from your ollies, adding a half-turn to land switch stance. It’ll test your balance and board control, demanding more than just pop.
You’ve got to commit fully, shoulders and all, as you leap into this trick. It’s about syncing your body’s movement with the twist, hitting that sweet rotation and riding out clean – a skill that’s fundamental for more complex maneuvers. Find out the right gear for this trick on “best street skateboard decks.”
2. Pop shuvit
The pop shuvit is all about control. When the tail pops, sending your board spinning beneath you, your heart might follow suit. Don’t let it.
This trick is a stepping stone to more intricate flips and spins. Why’s it clutch in your arsenal? Pop shuvits lay the groundwork for spatial awareness.
You learn to keep the board underfoot mid-air, a vital skill for every street skater. Plus, they’re versatile, opening up a combo platter of potential. For supreme performance, ensure your bearings are up to snuff.
3. Heelflip
The heelflip – think of it as the kickflip’s sassy cousin. It’s where you flick your board with your heel instead of your toe, and it’s a whole different ball game when it comes to finesse and foot placement. Landing a clean heelflip sends a message: you’ve got the chops for precision and style.
It’s the trick that says you’ve paid your dues and you’re ready to hang with the seasoned crowd. Make sure you’re laced up properly, so check out “are Vans good skateboarding shoes.”
4. Kickflip
The kickflip is iconic – it’s the trick that separates the enthusiasts from the earnest. Mastering it demands more than instinct – it requires deliberate practice and timing, a symphony of motion where feet and board dance mid-air. Why is it critical?
Because pulling a kickflip under pressure is skateboarding poetry. It’s a trick that demands respect and gives it right back once you stick the landing. Peak performance for kickflips starts with proper skateboard maintenance.
5. Backside boardslide
“Executing a smooth frontside 180 is about combining air with agility. It’s the natural progression from your ollies, adding a half-turn to land switch stance. It’ll test your balance and board control, demanding more than just pop.”
Sliding into the backside boardslide, you’re attacking the rail with a mix of boldness and precision. It’s about aligning your momentum and balance, getting intimate with the rail as your board straddles it. This trick is a testament to your fearlessness and technical skill, combining speed and control.
It’s a universal showstopper in the skate world for a reason – it looks cool and feels even cooler to pull off. Check the best trucks to get your slides on point.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
More skateboarding tips
Learning intermediate tricks takes more than just practice on the board. It’s about creating a mindset geared toward growth and embodying the lifestyle of a dedicated skater. These more tips will help smooth out the bumps along your journey to skateboard mastery.
- Visualize your tricks before attempting them
- Keep a skate journal of your progress and goals
- Cross-train with other sports to improve balance and strength
- Watch videos of pros to understand the mechanics and style
- Skate with others who challenge and push your abilities
- Stay hydrated and maintain a diet that supports active recovery
- Remember to warm-up and cool down to prevent injuries
In the world of skating, the dos and dont’s aren’t just suggestions—they’re the unwritten rules that keep you rolling safer and smarter than the rest. Here’s a breakdown:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Warm up before skating | Neglect stretching |
| Learn at your own pace | Rush the learning process |
| Wear proper protective gear | Skimp on safety equipment |
| Use high-quality skateboard parts | Use worn-out gear |
| Maintain your skateboard regularly | Let your board fall into disrepair |
| Keep a positive attitude | Get discouraged by falls or failures |
| Study and mimic pro skaters’ styles | Try advanced tricks too early |
Giving a second thought to these dos and dont’s will help you pave a safer, more enjoyable path in your skateboarding endeavors.
Advantages and disadvantages of intermediate skateboarding
Intermediate skateboarding is where the excitement ramps up and the real progression begins. It carries benefits and drawbacks that you should roll over in your mind as you ride the wave from rookie to seasoned vet.
Advantages
- Improved board control and fluidity
- Ability to express creativity through new tricks
- Enhanced physical fitness and coordination
- Increased confidence both on and off the board
- Opportunities for social connections with other skaters
- Sense of accomplishment from mastering new skills
Disadvantages
- Higher risk of injury with more complex tricks
- Can be frustrating and time-consuming to learn new tricks
- Possible expenses with gear upgrades and maintenance
- More dependence on weather and skate park availability
- Pressure to constantly improve and keep up with peers
Opinion: In my opinion, when you’ve got the basics down, throwing yourself into intermediate tricks like the kickflip or heelflip isn’t just a step up, it’s a rite of passage in skateboarding culture. It can feel like a grind sometimes, no pun intended, but that moment when the trick finally clicks – it’s epic! Remember, this is just one skater’s viewpoint but if you’re looking to tweak your setup before tackling these new challenges, peek over at the “skateboard tricks learning order” for some top-tier insights.
Nothing beats the thrill and sense of achievement when landing a trick after countless slams. Seriously though, it’s about much more than bragging rights – it’s the commitment to progress and the sheer joy that comes from the ride. Even though I’m not Tony Hawk, there’s a universal truth every skater understands: the fall is part of the journey, and the get-up is where the magic happens.
If you are a visual learner, check out this video titled ’10 Easy Intermediate Skateboard Tricks’
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How do I overcome the fear of trying new skateboard tricks?
Starting with smaller, less intimidating obstacles can build your confidence. Give yourself permission to fall; it’s an inevitable part of learning. Use protective gear to minimize the risks, and don’t hesitate to learn from those scrapes – they’re the stories of progress.
What should I focus on to improve my trick consistency?
Practice is key here. Break down each trick into its components and work on them separately. Then, focus on muscle memory and visualize yourself completing the trick.
Trust me, your body has to know the routine as well as your mind does.
Are there any mental strategies to help with skateboarding progression?
Yes, visualization and positive self-talk can be game-changers. Picture yourself nailing the trick and use affirmations to build a positive mindset. Reflect on your successes, no matter how small, and remember that patience and persistence are your best pals on this ride.
Final thoughts
There you have it, the ins and outs of pushing past the beginner’s plateau and into intermediate territory where the real skateboarding adventure unfolds. As you grab your board and head out, remember that each trick you land solidifies your journey from dabbling to shredding. Your growing expertise is a testament to the work you’ve put in and the spills you’ve conquered.
Have these tips sparked a new goal in your training? Or maybe you’ve got a trick up your sleeve you’re itching to perfect? Did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section belowI read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on mastering intermediate skateboard tricks.
Thanks for reading and keep rolling with confidence!
