Kickflips and Shuvits: A Guide to Mastering Skateboard Tricks
Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport that offers endless opportunities for self-expression and creativity. One of the most important fundamentals of skateboarding is learning various tricks that allow you to navigate through different obstacles in the skatepark or on the street. Among those tricks, kickflips and shuvits are two that every aspiring skateboarder must master to enhance their skills. In this article, we will go over the basics of kickflips and shuvits and provide tips to help you perfect these tricks.
The Basics of Kickflips
Kickflips are one of the most popular tricks that skateboarders learn. The trick involves flipping the skateboard 360 degrees in the air along its lengthwise axis and landing back onto the board. To start with, place your front foot near the middle of the skateboard and your back foot hanging slightly off the tail. Pop the tail down with your back foot and jump up while sliding your front foot towards the nose to initiate the spin of the board. As the board flips, catch it with your feet and land back on it smoothly with both feet.
One of the most important things to remember when attempting kickflips is to keep your shoulders squared and aligned with the board. You should also stay centered over the board to maintain stability when landing it. Additionally, practicing on a flat surface before taking it to an obstacle or ramp is highly recommended to ensure that you have a solid foundation for the trick.
The Basics of Shuvits
Shuvits are another essential trick in skateboarding that requires the board to spin 180 degrees without flipping. The trick involves popping the tail down and sliding your back foot off the board while using your front foot to push the board around. To start, place your feet on the board with your back foot slightly hanging off the tail. Pop the tail and slide your back foot in a diagonal motion, while using your front foot to push the board forward and around in a 180-degree motion. As the board completes the spin, land back on it with both feet.
To perfect shuvits, it's important to practice the footwork and timing of the trick. Start with slow and controlled motions and gradually increase the speed and power as you gain more confidence. It's also essential to use your shoulders and upper body to initiate the spin of the board while keeping your eyes focused on the landing spot to maintain stability.
Tips for Mastering Kickflips and Shuvits
Mastering skateboarding tricks like kickflips and shuvits require consistency, practice, and patience. Here are some tips to help you perfect these tricks:
- Start with mastering the fundamentals of skateboarding, like pushing, turning, and stopping.
- Rock back and forth on your skateboard to get comfortable with the balance and movement of the board.
- Practice the footwork and timing of the tricks on a flat surface before trying them on an obstacle or ramp.
- Visualize yourself successfully doing the trick before attempting it.
- Use your upper body to initiate the movement of the board.
- Stay centered over the board to maintain stability.
- Practice regularly and be patient, as mastering these tricks takes time.
By following these tips and consistently practicing kickflips and shuvits, you'll be able to enhance your skateboarding skills and create an exciting and unique style of your own.
