Skateboarding Tricks: How to Manual?

Skateboarding Tricks: How to Manual?

After you learn how to ride your skateboard, it is time for you to learn some basic tricks. Ollie or ollieng can be a good choice for your first trick but if you want a less challenging one, I suggest the Manual.

The Manual is where the rider balances on his or her back wheels while rolling (similar to a wheelie on a bike).

It is an easy trick to learn. All it takes is good balance and a lot of practice. 

Performing the manual trick requires proper foot placement. Proper means the right positioning of the foot on the deck regardless of whether you prefer regular or goofy. When "manualing", place your front foot in the middle of the deck with your toe right behind the front trucks; and back foot on the tail of the board. This, however, is not the only way to do it. You know what position your feet are comfortable in. As long as you can perform the manual, you are good to go.

When doing this trick, you need a lot of ground to practice on. The ideal choice would be an empty parking lot, a skate park, or a sidewalk, just make sure the ground is smooth. Whenever you are ready, push yourself forward and get some speed. Get your feet into position. Balance!

Slowly shift your weight toward your back foot. As the nose of your skateboard rises, slowly maintain your balance by leaning slightly forward. Keep the nose of your skateboard hanging in the air while riding with the back wheels for as long as you can. Do it nice and slow. Do not shift your weight quickly or you will either lose your balance or make some scratches underneath the tail of your board. You can stick your hands outward to gain better balance. Slightly bend your knees while keeping your shoulders forward. This will help you to manual longer.

When landing, simply lean forward. Once you perfect this trick, you can mix it up with other tricks you want to learn.

Now, you may crash when doing this trick. If you do, you should learn how to fall safely. Never hesitate to bail off your skateboard while you still can. If it's too late to do that, do not use your hands to cushion your fall. Instead, fall with your shoulders absorbing the impact and roll over. This may be easier said than done but with practice, you can master it easily. One final tip: do not for get to pad up and wear your helmet when doing this trick or any trick for that matter.