Understanding Slides and Grabs
Before we dive into specific tricks, it's important to understand what we mean by "slides" and "grabs." Slides are tricks where the skateboarder slides along a surface without the wheels making contact. This can be the top of a rail, the edge of a curb, or the lip of a ramp. There are several different types of slides, each with its own unique challenges and nuances.
Grabs, on the other hand, involve the skateboarder grabbing the board with one or both hands while in mid-air. This can be done in a variety of ways, each named after the part of the board that the rider grabs. Grabs require a combination of timing, coordination, and bravery, as the rider has to let go of the board and then grab it again while it's still in motion.
Slides: Board Slide, Lip Slide, Tail Slide, Blunt Slide
Let's start by looking at some of the most common slides in skateboarding.
Board Slide
The board slide is one of the most basic slides, but it's still an essential trick to master. To perform a board slide, approach an obstacle at a moderate speed and ollie onto it. As you slide, keep your weight centered over the board and use your arms for balance. To exit the slide, simply pop the board off the obstacle and land back on the wheels.
Lip Slide
The lip slide is similar to the board slide, but instead of sliding on the top of the rail or curb, you slide on the lip or edge. Approach the obstacle at an angle and ollie onto it, then turn your body and board so that you're sliding on the lip. Keep your weight centered and use your arms for balance. To exit the slide, simply pop the board off the obstacle and land back on the wheels.
Tail Slide
The tail slide is a bit more advanced than the board slide or lip slide. To perform a tail slide, approach an obstacle at a moderate speed and ollie onto it. As you slide, shift your weight to the tail of the board and use your front foot to steer. To exit the slide, simply pop the board off the obstacle and land back on the wheels.
Blunt Slide
The blunt slide is similar to the tail slide, but instead of sliding on the tail, you slide on the front truck. Approach the obstacle at a moderate speed and ollie onto it, then shift your weight to the front truck and use your back foot to steer. To exit the slide, simply pop the board off the obstacle and land back on the wheels.
Grabs: Melon, Indy, Method, Stalefish
Now let's look at some of the most popular grabs in skateboarding.
Melon Grab
The melon grab is named after Tony Hawk's dog, who apparently had a habit of grabbing things with his mouth. To perform a melon grab, ollie into the air and grab the toe side of the board with your trailing hand. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over the board. To release the grab, simply let go of the board and land back on the wheels.
Indy Grab
The indy grab is one of the most iconic tricks in skateboarding. To perform an indy grab, ollie into the air and grab the toe side of the board with your leading hand. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over the board. To release the grab, simply let go of the board and land back on the wheels.
Method Grab
The method grab is a bit more challenging than the melon or indy grab. To perform a method grab, ollie into the air and grab the heel side of the board with your trailing hand. At the same time, kick your front foot forward and straighten your back leg. This will create a stylish "tweaked" look. To release the grab, simply let go of the board and land back on the wheels.
Stalefish Grab
The stalefish grab is named after Mike McGill's pet rooster, which apparently had a habit of perching on his arm. To perform a stalefish grab, ollie into the air and grab the heel side of the board with your leading hand. Reach behind your back and place your trailing hand on the tail of the board. This will create a stylish "crab" position. To release the grab, simply let go of the board and land back on the wheels.
Combining Slides and Grabs
Now that we've covered some basic slides and grabs, let's look at some ways to combine them for even more advanced tricks.
Stalefish Tail Slide
The stalefish tail slide is a combination of the stalefish grab and the tail slide. Approach an obstacle at a moderate speed and ollie onto it, grabbing the heel side of the board with your leading hand and reaching behind your back with your trailing hand. As you slide, shift your weight to the tail of the board and use your front foot to steer. To exit the slide, simply pop the board off the obstacle and land back on the wheels.
Indy Noseblunt
The indy noseblunt is a combination of the indy grab and the blunt slide. Approach an obstacle at a moderate speed and ollie onto it, grabbing the toe side of the board with your leading hand and shifting your weight to the front truck. As you slide, use your back foot to steer and keep your weight centered over the board. To exit the slide, simply pop the board off the obstacle and land back on the wheels.
Tips for Mastering Advanced Skateboarding Moves
Now that you know some advanced skateboarding moves, it's time to start practicing. Here are some tips to help you improve:
1. Start small. Don't try to tackle the biggest obstacles right away. Start with smaller ones and work your way up as you gain confidence and skill.
2. Practice regularly. The only way to get better is to practice consistently. Set aside time each week to work on your skateboarding skills.
3. Watch videos. There are plenty of skateboarding videos online that can inspire you and give you ideas for new tricks.
4. Get feedback. Ask other skaters to watch you attempt tricks and give you feedback on what you're doing right and wrong.
5. Be patient. Skateboarding takes time and practice to master. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some common mistakes that skateboarders make when attempting advanced moves. Here are a few to watch out for:
1. Not committing. It's important to commit fully to a trick, or you're more likely to bail or fall.
2. Not using your arms. Your arms are essential for maintaining balance and stability, so make sure you're using them effectively.
3. Not keeping your weight centered. Keeping your weight centered over the board is crucial for maintaining control and stability.
4. Not practicing enough. You won't be able to master advanced moves without putting in the time and effort to practice regularly.
Safety Precautions When Attempting Advanced Moves
Skateboarding can be a dangerous sport, especially when attempting advanced moves. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
1. Wear protective gear. This includes a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.
2. Skate with a friend. Having someone there to watch out for you and call for help in case of an emergency is important.
3. Scout the area. Make sure the area you're skating in is free of obstacles or hazards that could cause injury.
4. Know your limits. Don't attempt tricks that are beyond your skill level, as this can lead to injury.
Famous Skateboarders Known for Their Slides and Grabs
Finally, let's take a look at some of the famous skateboarders who have made slides and grabs a staple of their style.
1. Tony Hawk. Hawk is perhaps the most famous skateboarder of all time, and his indy grab is one of the most iconic tricks in skateboarding.
2. Rodney Mullen. Mullen is known for his innovative flatland tricks, including the no-handed 50-50 and the kickflip underflip.
3. Danny Way. Way is famous for his big-air tricks, including the backflip over the Great Wall of China and the megaramp jump.
4. Bob Burnquist. Burnquist is known for his creative use of obstacles, including his signature trick, the fakie ollie 540.
