Tech Deck fingerboards have become a staple in the skate community, offering skaters of all ages and skill levels a way to practice their tricks and perfect them in a fun and safe environment. It is essential to master a range of tricks, whether you are new to fingerboarding or a seasoned pro. In this article, we will look at the top 10 Tech Deck tricks that every skater should know and how to execute them correctly.
Taking your skills to a new level is what we do. The tricks are broken down into simple steps so that you can master them, whether you’re practicing at home or showing off to your friends. Grab your Tech Deck and start practicing these essential tricks immediately.
Table of Contents
1. Ollie – Tech deck tricks
In fingerboarding, the Ollie is one of the most fundamental tricks. To do this, you must pop the board’s tail and then use your fingers to level the board out in the air. To perform an Ollie, place your index finger in the middle of the board and your middle finger on the tail of the board. To make the board pop up, press down on the tail, then slide your index finger toward the nose to level it out.
There is no doubt that this trick is important as it forms the basis of several other tricks that follow. When you practice the Ollie, you’ll be able to develop control and precision, which is a crucial skill for any fingerboarder who wants to advance their repertoire through this skill.
Steps to Perform an Ollie:
- Position Your Fingers: Place your index finger in the middle of the board and your middle finger on the tail.
- Pop the Tail: Press down on the tail with your middle finger to make the board pop up.
- Slide Your Fingers: Slide your index finger up towards the nose of the board to level it out.
- Land Smoothly: Ensure both wheels touch the surface simultaneously for a clean landing.
Tips:
- Practice popping the tail and sliding your fingers simultaneously.
- Use a smooth surface to practice for better control.
2. Kickflip
A flip to the board adds a new element to the Ollie, known as the Kickflip. Performing a Kickflip is similar to performing an Ollie, so you must set it up like that. You will need to pop the tail of the board and flick the edge of the board with your index finger to initiate the flip. After the board has completed the flip, grab it with your fingers and prepare to land smoothly once it has completed the flip. Fingerboarding is a great way to show off your skills and add flair to your game.
Steps to Perform a Kickflip:
- Set Up: Position your fingers like an Ollie.
- Pop and Flick: Pop the tail and flick the board’s edge with your index finger.
- Catch the Flip: As the board flips, catch it with your fingers and prepare to land.
Tips:
- Timing is crucial; ensure the flick is quick and controlled.
- Keep your eyes on the board throughout the flip.
3. Heelflip
A Heelflip is similar to the Kickflip in that it flips the board backward instead of forwards. A Heelflip is performed by positioning your fingers as you would if doing an Ollie, but slightly more towards the center of your body. With your index finger, use the opposite edge of the board to flick the board from the opposite edge as you pop the tail. Land smoothly on the board by catching it mid-flip and catching it mid-flip. You can add variety to your fingerboard repertoire by learning this trick.
Steps to Perform a Heelflip:
- Position Fingers: Like the Ollie, but with your index finger slightly more towards the center.
- Pop and Flick: Pop the tail and use your index finger to flick the board from the opposite edge.
- Land: Catch the board mid-flip and land smoothly.
Tips:
- Practice the flicking motion independently to get the right feel.
- Stay balanced and centered over the board.
4. Shuvit
To execute Shuvit, the board must be spun 180 degrees without it being flipped. When performing a Shuvit, you should place your index finger in the middle of the board and your middle finger on the tail of the board. To initiate the spin, you must pop the tail with your middle finger and scoop the board with your index finger. Once the board has completed its 180-degree rotation, it should be able to be caught and landed smoothly. To make your moves more interesting, adding some spin to them is a great idea.
Steps to Perform a Shuvit:
- Finger Placement: Index finger in the middle, middle finger on the tail.
- Pop and Scoop: Pop the tail and scoop the board with your middle finger to initiate the spin.
- Catch and Land: Catch the board after it spins and lands.
Tips:
- Focus on the scooping motion with your middle finger.
- Keep your index finger ready to catch the board.
5. 360 Flip (Tre Flip)
Taking the best features of both a kickflip and a shuvit, the 360 Flip is both challenging and rewarding simultaneously. You should position your fingers like you would for a kickflip to perform a 360 flip. The tail should be popped while using your middle finger to scoop, and your index finger should flick simultaneously with your middle finger. After watching the board flip and spin, catch and land it smoothly. Watch the board complete the flip and spin. A skill that requires advanced fingerboard skills can be demonstrated by mastering this trick.
Steps to Perform a 360 Flip:
- Set Up: Finger positioning is similar to that of a kickflip.
- Pop and Scoop: Pop the tail and simultaneously scoop the board with your middle finger while flicking with your index finger.
- Catch Mid-Flip: Watch the board complete its flip and spin, then catch it.
Tips:
- Timing and coordination are key; practice each motion separately.
- Maintain a steady pace to control the spin and flip.
6. Varial Kickflip
Essentially, the Varial Kickflip is a combination of a Kickflip and a Shuvit and is considered an intermediate trick. To perform a Varial Kickflip, you should start by positioning your fingers like you would for a regular Kickflip. With your middle finger, scoop up the tail while simultaneously flicking the board with your index finger while scooping with your middle finger. Prepare to land on the board as it spins and flips, catching it mid-air on the way down. In addition to demonstrating your skill in coordinating multiple movements, this trick adds a layer of flair to your fingerboard.
Steps to Perform a Varial Kickflip:
- Finger Placement: Similar to a Kickflip.
- Pop and Flick: Pop the tail, scoop with the middle finger, and flick the edge with your index finger.
- Catch and Land: Catch the board after it completes the flip and spin.
Tips:
- Ensure a smooth scoop and flick to keep the board controlled.
- Keep practicing to perfect the synchronization of the motions.
7. Hardflip
Hardflips are a combination of Frontside Shuvits and Kickflips on the front side of the board. A hard flip is performed by positioning your fingers in the same way as a kick flip. By popping the board’s tail, you can scoop the board and flick it with your index finger while scooping it. To perform this action, the board must be flipped and spun simultaneously. If the board lands smoothly after it completes its movement, you can catch it. Mastering the hard flip will add an elegant element to your fingerboard skills, making you stand out.
Steps to Perform a Hardflip:
- Finger Setup: Position fingers for a Kickflip.
- Pop and Flick: Pop the tail, flick with the index finger, and simultaneously perform a Frontside Shuvit.
- Catch: Watch the board closely to catch it as it completes its motions.
Tips:
- This trick requires precise timing and coordination.
- Start with slower movements and gradually increase speed.
8. Impossible
As the name implies, the Hardflip combines a Frontside Shuvit and a Kickflip. Hardflips are performed by placing your fingers in the same position as you would if you performed a Kickflip. With your index finger, pop up the tail of the board and scoop it up while flicking it with your index finger. Due to this motion, a board flipped and spun simultaneously will flip and spin. The board should be caught once it smoothly completes its movements and lands. As you master the Hardflip, you can add a stylish element to your fingerboard repertoire.
Steps to Perform an Impossible:
- Finger Positioning: Place your middle finger on the tail and index finger near the center.
- Pop and Wrap: Pop the tail and wrap the board around your middle finger.
- Land: Catch the board once it completes the wrap and land.
Tips:
- Focus on the wrapping motion with your middle finger.
- Keep practicing to ensure smooth execution.
9. Fingerboard Grind
The grind is one of the most important tricks in fingerboarding, adding a whole new dimension to tricks. Undoubtedly, the 50-50 grind is one of the most basic but essential grinds. The 50-50 grind is performed by rolling toward an obstacle and executing an Ollie to land both trucks on the obstacle’s edge. As you grind along the surface, keep a good balance, and as soon as you reach the end, prepare to Ollie off. As you practice this grind, you will be able to develop control and confidence in your fingerboard, which will help you prepare for more advanced grinds in the future.
Steps to Perform a 50-50 Grind:
- Approach: Roll towards the obstacle with an Ollie.
- Ollie and Land: Ollie got onto the obstacle and landed both trucks on the edge.
- Grind and Exit: Grind along the edge and Ollie off to land.
Tips:
- Use wax to smooth the grinding surface for better slides.
- Practice balancing on the trucks during the grind.
10. Fingerboard Manual
Performing manual tricks requires you to balance on two wheels simultaneously, which adds an extra challenge to your tricks. Manuals are performed by rolling towards a flat surface and performing an Ollie, lifting either the nose or tail of the board to execute the move. You must focus on keeping your body centered while balancing on the two wheels. Hold the manual for as long as possible before gently landing on all four wheels. By practicing this trick, you can improve your balance and control, essential skills for advancing in fingerboarding.
Steps to Perform a Manual:
- Approach: Roll towards the area for the manual.
- Lift and Balance: Lift the nose or tail and balance on two wheels.
- Hold and Land: Hold the manual as long as possible, then gently land back on all four wheels.
Tips:
- Start with short manuals and gradually increase the distance.
- Focus on maintaining balance and control throughout.
Mastering these tricks will enhance your fingerboard skills and open up a world of new trick combinations and styles. Practice regularly, stay patient, and enjoy the process of perfecting each trick.
Conclusion about Tech deck tricks
As a result, mastering these essential Tech Deck tricks will enhance your fingerboard skills in a significant way and will allow you to elevate your overall performance as well. It is important to remember that each trick contributes to your development as a fingerboarder, whether it is a simple move like the Ollie or an advanced trick like the 360 Flip or Hardflip.
Practicing consistently, as well as having patience and dedication to mastering these techniques, are important. During your fingerboard journey, you will discover new ways to express your creativity and style through your fingerboard as you progress. Take your Tech Deck, practice these tricks until they become second nature, and enjoy the journey of becoming a skilled fingerboarder as you go along.
Frequently Asked Questions on Tech deck tricks
When I want to start fingerboarding, what do I need to do?
Suppose you want to get started with a fingerboard. In that case, you must choose a quality Tech Deck, learn basic tricks like the Ollie and Kickflip, practice regularly on a smooth surface, watch online tutorials, and connect with other fingerboarders for tips and inspiration.
What is the first thing I should know to learn the essential tricks?
The most important tricks to learn are the Ollie, Kickflip, Heelflip, and Shuvit. To master these foundational tricks, you will need to develop your balance and control, laying the foundation for more advanced fingerboard techniques and combinations as you advance.
How can I improve my fingerboard skills?
You can improve your fingerboard skills by practicing regularly, focusing on basic tricks, and gradually progressing to more advanced ones as you progress. The best way to learn fingerboarding is to watch tutorials, study techniques, and talk to experienced fingerboarders. Customizing your setup to get better control and comfort is also possible.