Top 10 Beginner Fingerboard Tricks and How to Master Them
Learning fingerboard tricks can be a rewarding and exciting journey, especially if you're new to the hobby. Start with the basics to build confidence and improve your skills!
Why Start with the Basics?
When learning fingerboarding, it’s essential to start small. Simple tricks teach you how to control your setup, build muscle memory, and understand the mechanics of each move. Mastering the basics allows you to progress to more complex tricks with ease and confidence.
Top 10 Beginner Tricks
- Ollie - The foundation for almost every other trick.
- Shuvit - A simple 180-degree spin.
- Kickflip - An iconic trick involving a mid-air flip.
- Heelflip - Similar to a kickflip but flips in the opposite direction.
- Manual - A balance trick lifting the front wheels.
- Nose Manual - The opposite of a manual, lifting the back wheels.
- 50-50 Grind - Sliding both trucks along an edge or rail.
- Boardslide - Sliding the middle of the board along a rail.
- Pop Shuvit - A shuvit with added pop for height.
- Varial Kickflip - Combines a shuvit and a kickflip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Ollie
How to Do It:
- Place your index finger near the tail and your middle finger slightly above the middle of the deck.
- Press down sharply on the tail to "pop" the board.
- Slide your middle finger upward toward the nose to level the board in the air.
- Land with both fingers over the truck bolts to maintain balance.
Practice Tips:
- Start on a flat surface to focus on the motion.
- Use your wrist to add extra control during the pop.
2. Shuvit
How to Do It:
- Set your fingers in the same position as an ollie.
- Push the tail of the board sideways with your index finger while slightly guiding the board with your middle finger.
- Allow the board to spin 180 degrees and catch it with your fingers.
Practice Tips:
- Focus on timing your catch to land cleanly.
- Don’t rush the spin—let the board rotate naturally.
3. Kickflip
How to Do It:
- Position your fingers as you would for an ollie.
- Pop the tail with your index finger while sliding your middle finger diagonally toward the corner of the nose.
- The sliding motion will cause the board to flip.
- Catch the board with your fingers once the griptape side comes back up.
Practice Tips:
- Start by practicing the flipping motion without worrying about catching the board.
- Use a soft surface like carpet to reduce the impact when landing.
4. Heelflip
How to Do It:
- Position your fingers the same way as for a kickflip.
- Pop the tail and slide your middle finger toward the heel side of the board (the opposite edge).
- Allow the board to flip and catch it with your fingers.
Practice Tips:
- Focus on controlled movements to ensure the board flips correctly.
- Practice on a smooth surface to make landing easier.
5. Manual
How to Do It:
- Place your index finger near the tail and your middle finger above the center of the board.
- Apply pressure to the tail to lift the front wheels off the ground.
- Maintain the balance by keeping consistent pressure on the tail.
Practice Tips:
- Start with short manuals before attempting longer ones.
- Practice moving your board slowly to focus on control.
6. Nose Manual
How to Do It:
- Position your middle finger closer to the nose of the board and your index finger near the center.
- Apply pressure to the nose to lift the back wheels.
- Keep the balance steady and land cleanly.
Practice Tips:
- Use visual markers to track how far you can balance.
- Combine nose manuals with ollies for added difficulty.
7. 50-50 Grind
How to Do It:
- Approach the rail or ledge with moderate speed.
- Pop an ollie to land both trucks on the edge.
- Slide along the edge while maintaining balance.
- Land by popping off the rail and landing cleanly.
Practice Tips:
- Start with flat edges before moving to rounded rails.
- Wax the edge for smoother slides.
8. Boardslide
How to Do It:
- Approach the rail with the board perpendicular to it.
- Pop an ollie and land the center of the board on the rail.
- Slide along the rail and pop off at the end.
Practice Tips:
- Focus on maintaining balance throughout the slide.
- Start with low rails for easier landings.
9. Pop Shuvit
How to Do It:
- Position your fingers as you would for a shuvit.
- Pop the tail with your index finger while spinning the board with your middle finger.
- Catch the board in the air and land cleanly.
Practice Tips:
- Master the basic shuvit before adding the pop.
- Use a soft surface to practice landing.
10. Varial Kickflip
How to Do It:
- Set up as you would for a kickflip.
- Pop the tail and spin the board like a shuvit while flipping it with your middle finger.
- Catch the board after the rotation and flip are complete.
Practice Tips:
- Break the trick into two parts (shuvit and kickflip) before combining them.
- Focus on timing to land smoothly.
Tips for Progressing as a Beginner
- Be Consistent: Practice each trick multiple times to develop muscle memory.
- Focus on Technique: Proper finger placement and motion are more important than speed.
- Create a Routine: Dedicate time each day to practicing a specific trick.
- Stay Patient: Tricks can take time to master—don’t rush the process.
