Mastering Skateboard Tricks: Kickflips and Shuvits
Skateboarding is a popular form of extreme sport that has gained massive popularity over the years. One of the most important aspects of skateboarding is mastering the various tricks that come with the sport. Kickflips and shuvits are two of the most fundamental and essential tricks for any aspiring skateboarder to learn. In this article, we will look at these two tricks in detail and explore some tips and tricks for mastering them.
What are Kickflips?
Kickflips are one of the most basic tricks in skateboarding. To perform a kickflip, you need to flick the board with your back foot and make it spin in 360-degree rotation while jumping over it with your front foot. The trick requires a combination of good balance, coordination, and timing. The key to a successful kickflip is to keep your back foot in the right position and flick the board hard enough to make it spin.
When attempting a kickflip, start off by placing your back foot on the tail of the skateboard. Your front foot should be placed near the center of the board. As you begin to jump, use your back foot to kick the tail of the board, causing it to spin. As the board spins, jump and bring your front foot up, and catch the board with it while keeping your body level in the air. Bend your knees and land back on the board, using your back foot to absorb the shock of the landing.
What are Shuvits?
Shuvits are a type of skateboard trick where the board rotates 180 degrees without flipping. There are different variations of shuvits, but the basic concept involves kicking the board with your back foot, making it spin, and then using your front foot to guide it back to its original position. Shuvits require good balance, coordination, and timing, and can be done either stationary, rolling, or while jumping.
To perform a shuvit, start by placing your back foot near the tail of the skateboard, and your front foot near the center. As you begin to jump, use your back foot to kick the tail of the board, causing it to spin 180 degrees. As the board spins, slide your front foot off the board and guide it back to its original position, landing back on the board with both feet.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Kickflips and Shuvits
Mastering kickflips and shuvits takes practice, patience, and dedication. Here are some tips and tricks to help you improve your technique:
- Practice makes perfect - Keep practicing until you get it right. Try different variations of kickflips and shuvits until you find the one that works best for you.
- Foot placement - Make sure your back foot is in the right position for kickflips and shuvits. Keep your toes hanging off the edge of the board and your heel on the tail.
- Flicking the board - To get enough spin, make sure you flick the board hard enough with your back foot.
- Jumping and landing - Timing is key when it comes to jumping and landing. Make sure you jump high enough and land with your knees bent to absorb the shock of the landing.
- Start slow - Start with slow movements and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable with the tricks.
Remember, mastering kickflips and shuvits takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Keep practicing, and you'll get there eventually.
In conclusion, kickflips and shuvits are two fundamental tricks that are essential for any aspiring skateboarder to learn. Practice these tricks regularly, and use the tips and tricks outlined in this article to help you improve your technique. With enough practice and dedication, you'll be nailing kickflips and shuvits in no time!