Skateboard Tricks Learning Order: Master Skills Faster
Learning skateboard tricks is a journey that can be both thrilling and challenging. For many new skaters, it’s tempting to try the hardest moves right away. But there’s a smart way to progress, and it starts with mastering the basics first. Choosing the right skateboard tricks learning order helps you build confidence, avoid injuries, and improve faster. In this guide, you’ll discover the best sequence to follow, why each step matters, and some tips that most beginners miss. Whether you’re just starting out or want to fill gaps in your skill set, this article will give you a clear roadmap for your skateboarding progression.
Why Learning Order Matters
Trying advanced tricks too early can lead to frustration and even serious injuries. Skateboarding is a sport that builds on small achievements. Each trick you learn creates a foundation for the next. For example, you must know how to balance and roll before you can ollie, and you need a solid ollie before you can kickflip.
A smart learning order:
- Reduces your risk of falling
- Makes difficult tricks easier later
- Helps you enjoy your progress
Many skaters skip steps, then struggle for months. You’ll move faster if you master each step before jumping ahead.
Essential Skills To Master First
Before you start with tricks, it’s important to get comfortable with your board. Here are the basics every skater should know:
1. Pushing And Balancing
You need to push smoothly and balance your weight. Practice riding in a straight line and turning gently. Spend time just rolling around until you feel in control.
2. Stopping
Learn simple ways to stop:
- Foot brake (drag your back foot on the ground)
- Heel drag (for slower speeds)
Stopping safely is key before you try tricks that need more speed.
3. Turning
Practice carving (leaning to turn) and kickturns (pivoting your front wheels). Turning helps you control where you go and avoid obstacles.
4. Riding Switch
Switch means riding with your non-dominant foot forward. Even if it feels strange, switch riding is useful for many tricks. Do this early so it becomes natural.
The Best Skateboard Tricks Learning Order
Now, let’s look at the ideal sequence for learning tricks. This order works for most street and park skaters.
1. The Ollie
The ollie is the foundation for almost every street trick. It’s a jump where the board stays with your feet. Learning a clean ollie can take weeks, but it’s worth the effort. Don’t rush this step—practice on flat ground until you can do it while moving.
2. Frontside And Backside 180
Once you can ollie, try turning your board 180 degrees in the air. These tricks teach you to rotate your body with your board and open the door for more advanced moves.
3. Pop Shuvit
A pop shuvit spins the board 180 degrees under your feet. You don’t need to move your body, just your board. Many skaters find shuvits easier than flips, but they still require solid ollie skills.
4. Manual
A manual is like a wheelie. You balance on your back wheels as you roll. It builds balance and control, which are vital for linking tricks.
5. Kickflip
The kickflip is the first flip trick for most skaters. You flick the board with your front foot so it spins under you. This move is challenging, but ollie and balance practice make it much easier.
6. Heelflip
Similar to the kickflip, but you use your heel to spin the board the other way. Some skaters find this trick harder, but it’s a good next step after kickflips.
7. Varial Kickflip
A varial kickflip mixes a kickflip and a shuvit. Your board both flips and spins. At this stage, you’ve combined earlier tricks into one.
8. Boardslide
With a boardslide, you ollie onto a rail or ledge and slide along it. Start on low, waxed curbs before moving to higher rails. Boardslides teach you how to lock in on obstacles.
9. 50-50 Grind
A 50-50 grind is when both trucks (axles) ride along a ledge or rail. It’s one of the first grinds most skaters learn. Practice ollieing up and landing with both trucks evenly.
10. Advanced Flips (tre Flip, Hardflip)
Once you’ve mastered the above, try advanced flip tricks like the tre flip (a 360 shuvit with a kickflip) or the hardflip. These require strong basics and lots of patience.
Example Progression Table
Here’s a visual overview of the recommended learning order and what each trick builds on:
| Trick | Skill Needed First | What It Teaches |
|---|---|---|
| Ollie | Pushing, Balancing | Jumping with board |
| FS/BS 180 | Ollie | Body rotation |
| Pop Shuvit | Ollie | Board rotation |
| Manual | Balancing | Control & linking |
| Kickflip | Ollie | Flip tricks |
| Heelflip | Kickflip | Flip variety |
| Varial Kickflip | Kickflip, Pop Shuvit | Combination tricks |
| Boardslide | Ollie | Sliding on objects |
| 50-50 Grind | Ollie | Grinding balance |
| Tre Flip / Hardflip | Kickflip, Pop Shuvit | Complex flips |
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Many new skaters hit roadblocks not because they lack talent, but because they skip the basics or repeat bad habits. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:
- Skipping foundational skills: Not learning to balance or push smoothly leads to poor trick technique.
- Trying advanced tricks too soon: Without a good ollie, flips and grinds become much harder and riskier.
- Practicing only stationary: Tricks feel different when moving. Practice rolling as soon as you feel safe.
- Ignoring switch stance: Many tricks use switch, but most beginners avoid it. Start early with simple rolling and turning.
- Not wearing safety gear: Helmets and pads prevent injuries, especially when learning grinds and flips.
Advanced Progression: When To Move On
You might wonder, “How do I know I’m ready for the next trick?” The answer isn’t just landing a trick once. It’s about consistency. Aim to land a trick 7 out of 10 times before moving on. If you can do this on flat ground, try it while rolling, then off a curb.
Don’t rush. Some tricks take weeks—or even months—to feel natural. Skaters who revisit earlier steps often progress faster in the long run.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Useful Practice Strategies
To improve faster and avoid common pitfalls, try these tips:
- Record your sessions: Watching videos of yourself reveals small mistakes you might not notice.
- Break tricks into parts: For example, practice the flick of a kickflip separately from the full trick.
- Set small goals: Don’t just aim to land a trick—try to land it clean three times in a row.
- Rest and recover: Overuse injuries are common. Take breaks if your legs or ankles feel sore.
Comparing Trick Difficulty
To help you choose what to learn next, here’s a simple comparison of trick difficulty for new skaters:
| Trick | Difficulty (1-5) | Common Time to Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Ollie | 2 | 2–4 weeks |
| Pop Shuvit | 2 | 1–3 weeks |
| Kickflip | 4 | 4–12 weeks |
| Boardslide | 3 | 3–8 weeks |
| Tre Flip | 5 | 2–6 months |
Difficulty varies by person. Use this as a guide, but focus on your own progress.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Insights Most Beginners Miss
Many guides talk about the tricks but miss key ideas that help you learn faster:
- Foot positioning is everything: Small changes in where you put your feet can make a huge difference. Watch slow-motion videos of pros to see how they set up for each trick.
- Commitment matters more than fear: Many tricks fail because you bail out halfway. Once you’re comfortable, try to commit fully—even if you fall sometimes.
- Skate with others: Learning with friends or at a skatepark speeds up your progress. You’ll pick up tips and get motivated by watching others.
When To Start Learning Grinds And Slides
You don’t need to master every flip trick before trying grinds or slides. If you have a solid ollie and are comfortable rolling up to low curbs, you can start with boardslides and 50-50 grinds. Start small and always check the obstacle for cracks or rough spots.
Equipment Tips For Faster Progress
Your setup affects how easily you can learn tricks:
- Deck width: Narrower boards flip easier but are less stable. Wider boards offer more control for beginners.
- Wheel hardness: Softer wheels grip better and help with balance, while harder wheels slide more easily.
- Trucks: Looser trucks turn faster, but tighter trucks feel more stable for learning tricks.
If you aren’t sure what to choose, ask for advice at a local skate shop or check guides on reputable skateboarding sites.
Sample Weekly Practice Plan
Many beginners don’t know how to structure their practice. Here’s a simple plan for one week:
| Day | Main Focus | Session Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Pushing, Turning, Stopping | Warm up, smooth rides |
| Tuesday | Ollie Practice | Flat ground, stationary then rolling |
| Wednesday | Pop Shuvit, Manuals | Short sessions, focus on control |
| Thursday | Rest/Recovery | Watch trick tutorials, stretch |
| Friday | Kickflip, Heelflip | Break into parts, practice flicks |
| Saturday | Boardslides, 50-50 Grinds | Find safe, low obstacles |
| Sunday | Review & Free Skate | Try all learned tricks, have fun |
Adjust the days as needed, and always listen to your body.
Credit: howtoskate.com.au
Staying Motivated And Safe
Progress in skateboarding isn’t always fast. Some days, you’ll feel stuck. Other days, everything clicks. Celebrate small wins, like a cleaner ollie or a new distance on your manual. Wear a helmet and pads, especially when learning grinds, to stay safe and confident.
For more technique breakdowns and pro tips, you can check out resources like Wikipedia’s Skateboarding Trick page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Learn An Ollie?
Most skaters take 2 to 4 weeks to land their first ollie. With daily practice, you might get it sooner. The key is repetition and working on your balance.
Should I Learn Tricks While Moving Or Standing Still?
Start standing still to learn the motion, but move on to rolling practice as soon as you feel safe. Tricks feel different when you’re moving, and you’ll progress faster.
Is It Okay To Learn Flip Tricks Before Grinds?
Yes, but you don’t have to wait. If you have a solid ollie, you can start basic grinds and slides. Many skaters mix flip and grind practice.
What Safety Gear Should I Wear?
Always wear a helmet. Knee and elbow pads are recommended for beginners, especially when learning slides or grinds. Wrist guards can also help prevent injuries.
How Do I Know If I’m Ready For Advanced Tricks?
If you can land basic tricks like ollies, shuvits, and kickflips consistently (7 out of 10 times), you’re ready to try harder tricks. Don’t rush—solid basics make advanced tricks much easier.
Skateboarding is a personal journey. Learning in the right order helps you stay safe, progress steadily, and enjoy every step. Stick with it, keep practicing, and soon you’ll have a whole toolbox of tricks to show off.
