Parents! If your child has mastered the basics of skateboarding and is looking to take their skills to the next level, teaching them skateboard tricks is a great way to keep them engaged and excited about the sport.
As a seasoned skateboarder myself, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks for teaching your child the essential tricks that will make them the coolest kid at the skatepark.
In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to help your child learn skateboard tricks safely and effectively.”Teaching skateboard tricks to kids” So, grab your skateboards, and let’s get started!
Basic Tricks for Beginners
If your child has already mastered the basics of skateboarding, it’s time to take it up a notch and teach them some basic tricks.
These tricks will not only help them impress their friends but also improve their balance and coordination.
Start with the easiest tricks like the ollie, kick turns, and manuals, and gradually move up to more difficult ones like the shove-it and pop shove-it.
With a little bit of patience and practice, your child will soon be on their way to becoming a skilled skateboarder. So, grab your skateboard, and let’s get started!
Ollie Tips and Techniques
So, your kid has learned the basics of skateboarding, and now they want to progress to the next level of tricks.
One of the most fundamental tricks in skateboarding is the Ollie, which involves jumping off the ground with the board while keeping your feet on it.
As a parent, you may not be a pro skater, but with a few tips and techniques, you can help your child master this trick. Start by breaking down the Ollie into simple steps, such as foot positioning and weight distribution.
Encourage your child to practice regularly and be patient. Remember, the Ollie takes time and practice to perfect, but with persistence, your child can nail this trick and move on to more advanced ones.
Teaching the Kickflip
If your child has mastered the ollie and wants to move on to more advanced tricks, the kickflip is a great one to try next.
It may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and the right techniques, your child can master it in no time.
Start by teaching them the proper foot placement and motion, and then work on building up their confidence to attempt it while moving.
Don’t forget to emphasize safety and encourage persistence as they work towards mastering this exciting trick.
Mastering the Heelflip
If your child is ready to take their skateboarding skills to the next level, then it’s time to start teaching them how to do the heelflip.
This trick is all about timing and technique, and it can take some time to master. But with practice and persistence, your child can become a heelflip pro.
Start by making sure they have the right foot placement, and then work on getting the pop and flick just right.
Encourage them to keep trying even if they don’t get it right away, and celebrate each small improvement they make. With your guidance and support, they’ll be heel-flipping in no time!
Grinds and Slides
Grinds and slides are some of the more advanced tricks that your child can learn once they have mastered the basics. They involve grinding or sliding the board on various obstacles, such as handrails or ledges.
Teaching your child how to execute these tricks safely requires careful attention to detail and a lot of practice. It’s important to start small and work your way up to more challenging obstacles.
Encourage your child to focus on their balance and foot placement, and remind them to always wear the appropriate safety gear.
With persistence and patience, your child can master these impressive tricks and take their skateboarding skills to the next level.
Drop-in Tips and Tricks
If your child has mastered the basics of skateboarding and is ready to move on to more advanced maneuvers, the drop-in is a great trick to learn.
A drop-in is a technique where you start by standing on the edge of a ramp or bowl and then dropping in to gain speed and momentum.
It can be a little intimidating initially, but with practice and the right technique, your child can master this trick.
I recommend starting on a small ramp or a banked surface, and slowly working your way up to larger obstacles as your child’s confidence grows.
As with any trick, patience and persistence are key. Encourage your child to keep practicing and to stay positive, even if they fall a few times. With time and practice, they’ll be dropping in like a pro in no time!
Ramp Riding Techniques
If your child is ready to take their skateboarding skills to the next level, ramp riding is an exciting and challenging option. But it can also be intimidating for beginners.
I’m here to share some tips and techniques to help your child get started with ramp riding. From basic stance and balance to gaining speed and transitioning from the ramp to the ground, there are many skills to master.
But with patience and practice, your child can gain the confidence and skills to ride ramps like a pro. So let’s get started!
Switch Tricks for Advanced Riders
Once your child has mastered the basics of skateboarding, it’s time to level up their skills with some advanced techniques.
Switch tricks involve riding your skateboard with your non-dominant foot forward, which can be a challenge for even experienced skateboarders.
Encourage your child to try out switch flips, switch ollies, and switch grinds to improve their balance and coordination.
It may take some time and patience, but with practice and persistence, your child can become a skilled switch rider and take their skateboarding to the next level.
Remember to always prioritize safety and use protective gear when attempting new tricks.
Staying Safe While Learning New Tricks
When teaching kids to skateboard, safety should always come first. Learning new tricks can be exciting, but it’s important to take precautions to avoid injuries.
Encourage your child to wear a helmet and protective gear, such as knee pads and wrist guards. Make sure they are skateboarding in a safe and controlled environment, such as a skate park or driveway with proper supervision.
Teach them to start with the basics and progress at their own pace. Remind them to always stay aware of their surroundings and the other skaters around them.
By prioritizing safety, you can help your child enjoy the thrill of skateboarding while minimizing the risks.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of this guide on teaching skateboard tricks to kids! Remember that skateboarding can be a great way for your child to build confidence, improve their balance and coordination, and have fun outdoors.
As a parent, it’s important to be patient and supportive as your child learns new tricks, and to always prioritize safety.
By starting with the basics and gradually building up to more advanced maneuvers, your child can become a skilled and confident skateboarder. So grab a board, hit the pavement, and enjoy this exciting activity with your child!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
How do you turn on a skateboard for kids for beginners?
To turn on a skateboard for kids or beginners, shift your weight in the direction you want to go and gently lean in that direction while using your feet to guide the skateboard.
What is the best trick to learn first on a skateboard?
The best trick to learn first on a skateboard is typically the “Ollie.” It’s a fundamental maneuver that forms the basis for many other tricks and helps improve your overall skateboarding skills.
What are the basic techniques for learning how to skateboard?
The basic techniques for learning how to skateboard include:
-
Balancing: Practice standing and balancing on the skateboard while stationary.
-
Pushing: Learn how to push off the ground to gain momentum and move forward.
-
Turning: Practice turning by leaning and shifting your weight to steer the skateboard.
-
Stopping: Master safe stopping techniques like foot braking or carving.
These fundamental skills serve as the building blocks for skateboarding and are essential for beginners to grasp.
When should I teach my child to skateboard?
You can introduce skateboarding to your child when they express interest and demonstrate the physical coordination and balance needed, typically around 5 to 7 years old. Always prioritize safety and provide proper protective gear.
