How to Push on a Skateboard: A Beginner’s Guide

To push on a skateboard, place your front foot on the board, and push the ground with your back foot. Pushing should be done at a 45-degree angle behind the board.

Skateboarding is a sport that is enjoyed by many people all around the world. It is not only a great form of transportation, but it is also a fun and challenging activity that can be done solo or with friends. However, before you can start cruising down the streets, you need to know how to push on a skateboard properly. This crucial aspect of skateboarding involves positioning your feet correctly and pushing off the ground with your back foot. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to push on a skateboard to help you get started on your skateboarding journey. So, let’s dive right in!

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Understanding The Basic Skateboard Setup

Skateboarding is a fun and exciting activity that has captivated the hearts of people all over the world. Before you hit the streets, it’s crucial to understand the basic skateboard setup. By knowing the essential parts of a skateboard, choosing the right one and understanding the proper foot placement, you’ll be more confident and able to enjoy the sport to the fullest.

So, let’s take a closer look at these areas to help you become a stronger skateboarder.

Essential Parts Of A Skateboard

A skateboard is a combination of different parts, and each piece plays a vital role in the overall functionality and performance of the board.

• Deck: the deck is the main part of the skateboard that acts as the platform for riders.
• Trucks: the trucks are the hardware that connects the wheels to the skateboard.
• Wheels: skateboard wheels are engineered from plastic or polyurethane and mounted on the truck.
• Bearings: bearings are the metallic balls that fit inside the wheels and allow them to rotate.

Choosing The Right Skateboard For Your Needs

Before purchasing a skateboard, it’s essential to think about your needs and preferences.

• The deck size: ensure that you select the right deck size that suits your body size and weight.
• The truck width: the truck width should similarly align with your deck size.
• Wheel size: large wheels are ideal for cruising, while small wheels are ideal for performing tricks.
• Board shape: a curved board shape, such as a popsicle deck, is ideal for tricks, while a flat deck is suitable for cruising.

Proper Foot Placement On The Skateboard

One of the essential skills you need to master as a skateboarder is proper foot placement.

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Position your front foot pointing towards the nose of the board and the back foot perpendicular to it.
• Place your toes near the edge of the skateboard.
• Keep your weight over the center of the board while riding.

Skateboarding is a thrilling activity that requires excellent skills for success. By understanding the essential parts and choosing the right skateboard for your needs, along with mastering the proper foot placement, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a stronger skateboarder.

With practice, you’ll have the confidence to push your limits and push on your skateboard with ease. Remember: the key to success is patience, dedication, and never giving up!

Learning The Pushing Motion

Skateboarding is a fun sport that requires great skill and balance. To be a successful skateboarder, you must master various techniques, including pushing. Pushing is a fundamental skateboard technique that every beginner must learn. In this section, we will explore the motion of pushing and provide useful tips on how to improve your pushing technique.

Our discussion will be grouped into four main headings, including ### proper stance for pushing, ### foot placement for pushing, ### how to push off with your back foot, and ### forward momentum and maintaining balance.

Proper Stance For Pushing

Before you start pushing, you must assume the proper stance. The stance involves standing on the skateboard and positioning your feet correctly.

• Stand on the skateboard with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Keep your knees slightly bent and lean forward.
• Ensure your back foot is on the tail of the skateboard while the front foot is positioned behind the front bolts.
• Keep your weight evenly distributed between both feet.

Foot Placement For Pushing

Foot placement is critical when learning to push on a skateboard. The wrong placement can lead to loss of stability and even accidents.

• Place your front foot on the skateboard perpendicular to the deck.
• Keep your back foot parallel to the skateboard’s tail.
• Ensure your toes point towards the skateboard’s edge.

How To Push Off With Your Back Foot

Pushing off with your back foot is crucial to gain speed and momentum when riding a skateboard. The back foot’s motion should be smooth and powerful to provide maximum thrust.

• Place your back foot on the tail of the skateboard.
• Push down with your back foot to lift the skateboard’s front end off the ground.
• As the skateboard’s front end rises, push forward with your back foot to propel the skateboard forward.
• Keep your front foot stable while pushing off with your back foot.

Forward Momentum And Maintaining Balance

After pushing off with your back foot, you must maintain momentum and balance to ride smoothly.

• Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb shock and maintain balance.
• Look ahead, not down, to keep your momentum and balance.
• Use your arms for balance and stability.
• Keep your weight evenly distributed between both feet.

Pushing off on a skateboard is a vital skill every skateboarder must master. Ensure proper stance and foot placement before pushing off with your back foot. Maintaining momentum and balance requires practice and focus. By following our guidelines, you can improve your pushing technique and enjoy skateboarding like a pro.

How To Push On A Skateboard For Beginners

Common Pushing Techniques

Skateboarding is a thrilling and exciting activity that people of all ages enjoy. While skateboarding might appear intimidating, pushing the board is essential to master this sport. Skateboarding entails learning different techniques, including pushing, turning and braking, to navigate successfully.

Regular Foot Pushing

Regular foot stance refers to having your left foot forward on the board, while your right foot stays at the back for support. When pushing with your dominant foot, make sure to place your front foot at the center of the board.

• Keep your foot parallel to the board to maintain balance.
• Push with the side of your foot rather than the heel.
• Ensure that your leading foot returns to the center of the board; otherwise, you will lose balance.
• Shift your weight to the left to maintain balance.

Goofy Foot Pushing

Goofy foot stance refers to having your right foot forward on the board, while your left foot remains at the back for support.

• Align your front foot parallel to the board to keep your balance.
• Use the side of your foot to push the board forward in a motion away from your body.
• Ensure that your back foot remains on the board while pushing.
• Re-position your feet after pushing to maintain stability and balance.

Pushing While Moving

Once you have mastered pushing, it’s time to move while pushing the board.

• Slowly glide your board before pushing to maintain balance.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with your front foot pointing forward, aligning with the board.
• Begin pushing from your back foot with a slight angle.
• Keep your core engaged as you push to avoid wiggling or losing balance.

Tricks To Improve Your Push

Now that you have learned the basic techniques of pushing, it’s time to enhance your skills.

• Practice stationary footwork drills to become comfortable on the board.
• Try different foot positions while pushing to learn what works best for you.
• Increase your speed gradually to avoid falling and improve balance.
• Allow your body to flow with the skateboard movement while pushing.

Mastering the art of pushing on a skateboard might take time, but it is necessary to become an excellent skateboarder. Follow the above techniques and tricks to make an informed start in skateboarding. Keep practicing with patience, and before you know it, you’ll be shredding through the streets like a pro.

Safety Tips For Skateboarding

Skateboarding is a thrilling and exciting sport that involves riding on a board and performing tricks and stunts. However, it can also be dangerous, especially if safety measures are ignored. Therefore, it is crucial to consider several safety tips when skateboarding to prevent injuries and accidents.

Wearing Protective Gear

Protective gear is essential when skateboarding because it helps minimize the risk of injury.

• Helmet: a helmet is necessary to protect your head from injuries, especially if you fall off the skateboard.
• Knee and elbow pads: knee and elbow pads help to cushion and protect these areas from scrapes and impact injuries.
• Wrist guards: wrist guards protect your wrist from getting sprained during falls.

Skateboarding In Safe Locations

Choosing a safe and appropriate location to skate is crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

• Skating parks: skating parks are specially designed for skateboarding and have smooth surfaces, ramps, rails, and other skating equipment.
• Sidewalks and bike paths: these are good locations for beginners because they are easy to ride on and provide a smooth surface.
• Avoid areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, vehicles, and uneven surfaces as they can be hazardous.

Being Aware Of Surroundings

Skateboarders are expected to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings while skateboarding.

• Look ahead and plan your route carefully to avoid obstacles and hazards.
• Listen for approaching sounds such as cars and bicycles.
• Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and give them the right of way.

Skateboard Maintenance And Inspection

A well-maintained skateboard is essential to prevent accidents and injuries.

• Check the skateboard’s wheels, bearings, and trucks regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Tighten any loose bolts or screws to prevent them from falling off.
• Clean the griptape periodically to ensure a good grip while riding.

Skateboarding can be a fun and enjoyable sport when precautionary measures are taken. By wearing protective gear, skateboarding in safe locations, being aware of surroundings and maintaining your skateboard, you can minimize the risk of injuries and accidents. Always put safety first, and always enjoy the ride!

Conclusion

Pushing on a skateboard requires practice, patience, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can improve your push technique and ultimately, your overall skateboarding experience. Remember to position your feet correctly, lean forward, take small and controlled steps, and use your front foot to create momentum.

It’s also important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion or injury. Utilizing these tips and techniques, you can feel more confident and comfortable on your board and enjoy the freedom and excitement that skateboarding has to offer. Keep practicing, stay focused, and enjoy the ride.