A - Z of Skateboard Tricks Part 2

Here's part 2 of my A-Z guide of skateboard tricks (up to 'F')

Drop In

A drop in is an action performed with a skateboard in which the rider rides from the top of a ramp to the bottom. It was popularized in the late 80s, along with many other ramp tricks. This ramp can be a quarter pipe, half pipe, or a mini ramp. Some drop ins are even performed off things like helicopters or buildings. This method is popular with riders who primarily ride in skate parks. However, some ramps exist outside of skate parks, such as in certain plazas.

In order to perform a drop in, the rider must be at the top of a ramp, such as a quarter pipe. Then, the rider must put the tail of their skateboard on the edge, or coping, of the ramp with their nose hanging off. The rider should then put their back foot on the board, while still keeping their front foot off the board and on the ramp. Now the rider must put their front foot on the board while still keeping their weight on their back foot. Then the rider must shift their weight to the front of the board. This action will propel them down the ramp.

Fifty Fifty grind

The fifty fifty is an excellent trick to try once you have successfully accomplished an ollie. The trick involves popping your skateboard onto the rail and grinding. The trick involves approaching the rail with your feet positioned the way you would normally ollie. Ollie onto the rail making sure the trucks line up evenly with the rail and balance your way until you reach the end of the rail. The trick may be difficult to master in the first attempts because it involves balance and the correct speed when approaching the rail, but it only takes practice.

The trick is one of the simpler grinds to do which include the 5-0, the smith grind , nosegrind, crooked grind, overcrook grind, feeble grind, and the salad grind. Before attempting the trick , you should practice getting the timing and speed of approaching the rail in order to successfully complete the trick.

Frontside 180

The frontside 180 is a trick that is usually done once you have accomplished an ollie. The trick involves rotating you and the board 180 degrees. The trick involves going at a comfortable speed especially when beginning the trick. Then you have to hit the tail like you would do for a normal ollie. You are going to want to suck up the board while turning your shoulders and hips simultaneously in the air. It is important that you twist your hips correctly in order to get the full 180 rotation on the board. It is important that you don't pivot your feet on the front wheels too much in order to stay balanced and not fall off the board.

It may be difficult to land back on the board with the first couple of tries , but it should become easier with more practice.

Frontside 360

This is a trick in snowboarding and skateboarding that involves the use of a halfpipe lip. As the person approaches the lip they will "pop" off from the lip. Once the skater/snowboarder is air-born, they will throw their arms to spin either clockwise, for left footed people, counter-clockwise, for right foot leading people, in a forward directional spin. After the spin is started the boarder will reach between his or her legs to grasp the leading edge of the board, usually the trailing hand because it's the easiest, to maintain stability during the landing.

Even though this is a fairly common used trick among the more advanced and professional riders, it is by no means the easiest of the tricks available to learn. Some basic skills should be mastered before attempting this, because failure to perform this trick properly can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, so safety equipment is as always, highly recommended.