How to Step on a Skateboard and Push
Learning how to step onto a skateboard and push properly is fundamental for any beginner skater. In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step to help you get comfortable with the process.
1. Finding Your Stance
Before stepping on your skateboard, determine whether you are *regular* (left foot forward) or *goofy* (right foot forward). A simple test is to stand naturally and have a friend give you a gentle push. The foot you step forward with instinctively is likely your front foot.
2. Placing the Skateboard on the Ground
Find a smooth, flat surface like a sidewalk or a skate park with minimal obstacles. Place your skateboard on the ground with the wheels touching the surface and make sure it is not rolling away. Stand next to the board with your feet about shoulder-width apart.
3. Stepping Onto the Skateboard
- Start with Your Front Foot: Position your front foot (left for regular stance, right for goofy stance) on or near the front bolts of the skateboard. Your toes should point slightly forward at an angle.
- Keep Your Weight Centered: Shift your weight onto your front foot without putting too much pressure yet. Your back foot should still be on the ground, ready to push.
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Balance on Your Front Foot: Before pushing, practice balancing on just your front foot while the skateboard stays still. This helps develop stability.
4. Pushing Off
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Use Your Back Foot to Push: With your front foot securely on the board, use your back foot to push off the ground. Keep your movements controlled and smooth.
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Extend Your Leg for Momentum: Push with your back foot by extending your leg behind you and then bringing it forward to repeat the motion. Start with small pushes before attempting stronger ones.
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Maintain Balance: Keep your front foot steady on the board while pushing. Avoid tilting the skateboard too much to either side.
5. Placing Your Back Foot on the Board
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Bring Your Back Foot Up: Once you gain some momentum, lift your back foot and place it onto the skateboard near the back bolts.
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Adjust Your Stance: Once both feet are on the board, rotate your front foot so it is perpendicular to the skateboard, giving you better control.
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Bend Your Knees: Slightly bending your knees helps with balance and stability.
6. Adjusting Your Stance and Balancing
Once both feet are on the board, turn your front foot slightly forward for better control. Keep your knees slightly bent and your arms relaxed to maintain balance.
7. Practicing for Stability
Practice this process slowly at first until you feel comfortable. Over time, pushing and stepping on will become second nature, allowing you to focus on learning more advanced tricks and maneuvers.
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Practice Pushing Multiple Times: Repetition is key. Practice pushing, getting both feet onto the board, and rolling comfortably.
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Work on Smooth Transitions: Try to make the transition from pushing to getting both feet on the board as smooth as possible.
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Increase Your Speed Gradually: Once you feel comfortable at a slow pace, try pushing harder for more speed.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
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Placing Your Front Foot Too Far Forward: This can make balancing difficult. Keep your front foot near the bolts.
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Leaning Too Much to One Side: Stay centered over the board to avoid wobbling.
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Pushing with the Wrong Foot (Mongo Pushing): Avoid pushing with your front foot as it makes balancing and control harder.
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Not Bending Your Knees: Keeping your knees slightly bent helps with stability and shock absorption.
Final Tips
- Always wear proper skate shoes for better grip and control.
- Practice on a smooth surface before moving to rougher terrain.
- Keep your weight centered over the board to prevent falling.
- Start with small, controlled pushes before attempting faster speeds.
Learning to step onto a skateboard and push properly is the foundation of all skateboarding techniques. By following these steps, maintaining balance, and practicing regularly, you'll build confidence and control over your skateboard. With time, pushing will become second nature, allowing you to progress to more advanced skating skills.
Now that you know how to step onto a skateboard and push, get out there and practice! The more you ride, the more natural it will feel.