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Skateboard Tricks Glossary

Tap a trick to see how it's done.

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Ollie

Popping the tail of the board with your back foot to jump without using your hands β€” the foundation that nearly every other trick builds on.

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Kickflip

While doing an ollie, flicking the edge of the board with your front foot so it spins once around its long axis.

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Heelflip

The mirror image of a kickflip β€” flicking the board with your heel so it spins once around its long axis in the opposite direction.

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Pop Shove-it

A trick where the board spins 180 degrees horizontally without flipping over.

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50-50 Grind

A grind trick where both the front and back trucks slide along a rail or ledge at the same time.

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Boardslide

A slide trick where the underside of the board slides across a rail or ledge at a right angle.

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Manual

Balancing while rolling on just the front or back wheels for a stretch of distance β€” similar to a wheelie on a bike.

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Drop-in

The move of starting your ride by placing the board down at the very top of a ramp or halfpipe and rolling in.

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360 Flip (Tre Flip)

An advanced combo trick where the board spins a full 360 degrees horizontally while also flipping lengthwise like a kickflip.

Every trick starts with the ollie

Almost every jump trick in skateboarding builds on the ollie β€” popping the board into the air without using your hands. Nail the ollie first, and tricks like the kickflip and pop shove-it become much easier to pick up.

More extreme sports guides are on the way

We're also working on a guide to different types of bicycles β€” check back soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need safety gear when I'm just starting out?

Yes β€” a helmet, wrist guards, and knee pads significantly reduce injuries from falls, and they're especially important while you're still learning.

What's the difference between a kickflip and a heelflip?

A kickflip flicks the board with your toes to spin it one direction, while a heelflip flicks it with your heel to spin it the opposite direction.