The Classic Kickflip ChallengeThe kickflip is the defining threshold of intermediate skateboarding. For the new year, mastering this fundamental trick should top every skater’s resolution list. The maneuver requires you to roll at a comfortable speed, pop the tail of the board, and use your front foot to flick the edge of the grip tape, causing the board to flip a full 360 degrees along its longitudinal axis. Precision timing is vital to catch the board with your back foot mid-air before landing cleanly over the bolts.To conquer the kickflip this year, break the motion down into daily practice segments. Dedicate fifteen minutes of every session strictly to the front foot flick. Practice on grass or carpets initially if commitment feels intimidating on hard concrete. Once the muscle memory develops, take it to the asphalt and focus on keeping your shoulders parallel to the board to prevent turning your body during the rotation.
Mastering the Frontside 180Transitioning from straight riding to rotational tricks expands your style and opens the door to advanced line combinations. The frontside 180 combines a standard ollie with a half-body rotation, turning your front side toward the direction of travel. The key to this trick lies entirely in the shoulders. Your board will naturally follow where your upper body leads, making commitment the ultimate deciding factor.As you approach the pop, wind your shoulders slightly in the opposite direction. Wind up, pop a solid ollie, and unwind your torso with force. Your hips and feet will automatically mirror this 180-degree rotation. Perfecting this trick gives you the ability to ride away switch stance comfortably, doubling the possibilities for your next obstacle.
The Creative No-Comply 180If you want to inject some classic street style into your skating routine this year, the no-comply 180 is the perfect addition. This trick bypasses traditional ollie mechanics by using your front foot to step off the board onto the ground, while your back foot snaps the tail and guides the board through a 180-degree shove-it rotation. You then jump back onto the board as it completes its turn.The beauty of the no-comply lies in its fluid, rhythmic execution. It requires very little speed to learn, making it a fantastic low-impact trick for cold winter days or tight flatground spaces. Focus on a quick, swift step-off motion and let your back inner thigh guide the board around before hopping back on with both feet.
Locking in the Frontside 50-50 GrindTricks on flat ground are excellent, but taking your skills to obstacles brings a completely different level of satisfaction. The frontside 50-50 grind is the perfect entry point into grind tricks. This maneuver involves ollieing onto a ledge or a low rail and balancing your weight evenly across both the front and back trucks as you slide across the surface.Approach the ledge at a slight angle rather than riding completely parallel to it. Keep your eyes locked on the target spot on top of the ledge. Pop your ollie, level the board out in the air, and let your trucks slam down securely onto the corner. Keep your knees bent to absorb the friction, and give a slight nudge at the end of the ledge to dismount smoothly.
The Smooth Backside Shove-ItDeveloping a diverse trick selection means learning to move the board independently of your body. The backside shove-it accomplishes exactly this by spinning the board 180 degrees underneath you while your body remains facing forward. It is a deceptively simple trick that relies heavily on a scooping motion with the toes of your back foot.To execute a flawless shove-it, place your back foot toes slightly hanging off the edge of the tail. Instead of popping straight down, scoop the tail backward behind you like you are scraping mud off your shoe. Jump slightly forward to meet the board at its landing destination, keeping your feet wide for maximum stability upon impact.
The Elegant Manual BalanceNot every impressive skateboarding trick requires a massive pop or a spinning board. The manual is the ultimate test of core strength and micro-balance, requiring you to coast along on only your two back wheels. It acts as the perfect connective tissue for linking different tricks together in a smooth skatepark line.Find a smooth stretch of concrete and shift your weight slightly toward the back pocket of your board. Find the sweet spot where the front wheels lift off the ground without the tail scraping the pavement. Use your arms for balance like a tightrope walker, and keep your core completely engaged to maintain the position for longer distances.
The Bold Fakie BigspinFor those looking to push into advanced territory by the end of the year, the fakie bigspin is a beautiful combination trick that looks incredibly stylish. Rolling backward in the fakie stance, you combine a 360-degree backside shove-it with a 180-degree body rotation in the same direction. Because you are already rolling backward, the momentum actually assists the rotation.Wind your shoulders in the direction of the spin before snapping the tail. Scoop the board hard to initiate the full 360-degree rotation, and pivot your body 180 degrees to match the spin. Catching the board mid-rotation and rolling away in your normal riding stance provides an unmatched feeling of accomplishment that will set a high bar for the rest of your skateboarding journey.
Progress in skateboarding relies heavily on consistency, patience, and a willingness to embrace repeated failure before achieving success. Committing to a diverse set of technical flatground tricks, balance maneuvers, and ledge grinds ensures a well-rounded skill set. Working through these seven challenges step by step over the coming months will drastically elevate your board control, boost your confidence on the concrete, and transform your overall riding style before the year comes to a close
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