How to Skate Better

Better Skateboarding is not just about selling wheels. We want to make the skate community better and help you become a better skater. Below is the begining of what we hope will become a huge collection of skateboarding tips, trick advice and sharing. Got an idea for a tutorial? Want to make a Better Skateboarding Video Tutorial? Let us know!

   Shuvit (Shove-It)

The shuvit is your board pivoting with a spin under your feet. Don't get confused with a shuvit and pop-shuvit. A shuvit does not require you to pop the board with your back foot. With a smooth swipe of your back foot.



Steps:

1. Place your back foot on the tail (back) of the board (Either side - doesn't matter!). Your front foot is in the center of the board. Position yourself comfortably!
2. Push down on the tail slightly allowing the front of the board to lift up, as if you were doing a manual.
3. Swipe and scoop your back foot either back or forward to spin the board under your feet. This acts as an axle. Your front foot should help guide the board.
4. Watch your spin in 180 degree (360 degree) and land with both feet on the bolts. Bend your knees for impact.

   Pop Shuvit (Pop Shove-It)

The pop shuvit is your board popping off the ground and pivoting with a spin under your feet. Don't get confused with a shuvit and pop-shuvit. A shuvit does not require you to pop the board with your back foot. Pop your board up and with a smooth sweep of your back foot.



Steps:

1. Place your back foot on the tail (back) of the board (Either side - doesn't matter!). Your front foot is on the bolts. Position yourself comfortably!
2. Pop your board with your back foot and sweep your back foot either backward or forward to spin the board under your feet. This acts as an axle. Jump with both feet off the board.
3. Watch your spin in 180 degree (360 degree) and land with both feet on the bolts. Bend your knees for impact.

   Ollie

The ollie is basically a jump. The ollie is the most used trick combined with others to make another trick.
(ie. kickflip, heelflip, varials, etc...)



Steps:

1. Place your back foot on the tail (back) of the board (Either side - doesn't matter!). Your front foot goes in the middle of the board. Both your feet pointing straight in front of you, and should be about shoulder width apart.
2. Pop the board with your back foot and with perfect timing, slide your front foot out towards the front of the board allowing your board to level out in the air.
3. Watch your board level out underneath you, and then land with both feet on top of the bolts, both front and back.

   Kickflip

The kickflip is similar to the heelflip. While the board flips, it turns towards your heel. Instead of using your heels to flip the board, you use your toes to not only flip your board, but to also level your board in the air for a proper landing. *You need to know how to ollie before you attempt this trick*



Steps:

1. Place your back foot on the tail (back) of the board (Either side - doesn't matter!). Your front foot is on the center of the board on a 45 degree angle, pointing at the front bolts the board. Position yourself comfortably!
2. Pop the board hard with your back foot, jump straight up and with perfect timing, slide your front foot out towards the bottom corner groove of the nose.
3. Kick/flick the corner groove downwards with your toes allowing your board to spin and level out in the air. Tuck your feet in towards you, allowing space for your board to spin.
4. Watch your board flip and level out underneath you, and as soon as you see the grip tape, stomp down with your knees bent (to absorb impact), both feet on top of the bolts to land.

*This trick requires a lot of patience. Keep practicing!*

   Heelflip

The heelflip is similar to the kickflip. While the board flips, it turns towards your toes. Instead of using your toes to flip the board, you use your heel to not only flip your board, but to also level your board in the air for a proper landing. *You need to know how to ollie before you attempt this trick*



Steps:

1. Place your back foot on the tail (back) of the board (Either side - doesn't matter!). Your front foot is in the center of the board with your toes hanging off the board. You should be able to feel the board under balls of your feet. Position yourself comfortably!
2. Pop the board hard with your back foot, jump straight up and with perfect timing, slide your front foot out towards the top corner groove of the nose.
3. Flick the corner groove downwards with your toes allowing your board to spin and level out in the air. Tuck your feet in towards you, allowing space for your board to spin.
4. Watch your board flip and level out underneath you, and as soon as you see the griptape, stomp down with your knees bent (to absorb impact), both feet ontop of the bolts to land.