Basic Tricks

Once you are comfortable cruising, turning, and stopping, it is time to start learning tricks. Progress in order — each trick builds on the skills learned in the previous one. Do not rush; muscle memory takes time to develop.

Tic-Tac

The tic-tac is a directional-pumping maneuver that lets you turn or gain speed without putting a foot down. It is also excellent practice for board control.

1. Roll at a slow, comfortable speed with your front foot over the bolts.
2. Press down on the tail to lift the front wheels slightly off the ground.
3. Turn your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to go — the board follows.
4. Set the nose back down and repeat on the opposite side, building momentum.

Practice tip: Try tic-tacking in a straight line across a parking lot. Focus on smooth, rhythmic movements rather than sharp jerks.

Manual

A manual is balancing on your back two wheels while rolling — essentially a wheelie on a skateboard. It teaches balance and weight distribution.

1. Roll at a moderate speed with your feet in the ollie position (back foot on the tail, front foot near the middle bolts).
2. Shift your weight onto your back foot and lift the nose by pressing down on the tail.
3. Keep your arms extended for balance and look forward, not at your feet.
4. Lower the nose gently back down rather than letting it drop.

Practice tip: Try to manual over a painted line in a parking lot. Use the line as a distance marker and aim to clear it cleanly.

Ollie

The ollie is the foundation of nearly every modern skateboard trick. It is how you jump with your board without using your hands. Invented by Alan "Ollie" Gelfand in 1978, it remains the single most important trick to learn.

1. Place your back foot on the tail with the ball of your foot centered. Place your front foot just behind the front bolts, angled slightly outward.
2. Bend your knees and get low. Pop the tail sharply against the ground with your back ankle while simultaneously sliding your front foot forward and up toward the nose.
3. As the tail hits the ground, jump upward, letting the board rise with you. Level the board by sliding your front foot to the top of the nose.
4. Land with your knees bent, keeping your weight centered over the bolts.

Practice tip: Start stationary on grass or carpet. Practice the pop-and-slide motion without rolling. Once stationary ollies feel comfortable, try them while rolling at a slow, controlled speed.

Pop Shove-it

A pop shove-it makes the board spin 180 degrees beneath you without your body rotating. It is a natural next step after the ollie.

1. Set up in your normal stance with your back foot on the tail and front foot near the bolts.
2. Pop the tail straight down with your back foot, then scoop it backward and outward so the board starts to spin.
3. Jump up and slightly forward, letting the board rotate beneath you. Catch it with your front foot once it completes the 180.
4. Land with your weight centered.

Practice tip: Focus on the scoop motion with your back ankle. Many beginners under-rotate because they do not scoop hard enough. Try the rotation stationary first, then add the pop.

180 Turns (Frontside & Backside)

A 180 turn is an ollie combined with a half-rotation, landing you riding backward (fakie) or continuing forward. There are two variations:

Frontside 180 — You rotate toward your heels, turning your back to the direction of travel. Focus on winding your shoulders and then unwinding them as you pop. The rotation comes from your upper body — your legs follow.

Backside 180 — You rotate toward your toes, turning your front to the direction of travel. The motion is similar but in the opposite direction. Start with frontside 180s, which most skaters find easier.

Practice tip: Practice the shoulder rotation on flat ground without the board. Turn your head and shoulders to spot your landing point before your body begins to turn.