Easy Beginner Skateboard Tricks in the Right Order (2026)
Learn these tricks in order and each one sets up the next. Here's what to practice, how to do each trick and the mistakes to avoid.
Before Your First Trick
Tricks are easier when the basics are solid. Make sure you can push comfortably, turn, stop and ride over small cracks. Wear a helmet and wrist guards, start on smooth ground and keep sessions short and focused. Learn these tricks roughly in this order; each one builds skills for the next.
Beginner Tricks at a Glance
| # | Trick | What It Teaches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tic-tac | Pivoting and balance on the tail |
| 2 | Kickturn | Turning on the back wheels |
| 3 | Manual | Balance on two wheels |
| 4 | Ollie | Pop and lift, the base of most tricks |
| 5 | Shove-it | Board rotation under your feet |
| 6 | Pop shove-it | Pop plus rotation |
| 7 | Boneless or no-comply | Foot-plant style, creativity |
| 8 | Drop in (ramps) | Commitment and transition riding |
1. Tic-Tac
Lift the front wheels slightly by pressing the tail, swing the nose a little to one side, set it down, then swing to the other side. Repeat to move forward without pushing. It teaches tail control and balance.
2. Kickturn
Roll slowly, press the tail to lift the front wheels and pivot your shoulders and hips to turn the board on its back wheels. Start with small turns and work up to 180s.
3. Manual
Ride on the back two wheels without letting the tail touch the ground. Place your back foot near the tail, lean back gently and use your arms for balance. Practice the balance point stationary on grass first.
4. Ollie
The trick that unlocks most others. Snap the tail down, slide your front foot up the grip tape toward the nose and lift your knees. Level the board in the air and land with bent knees over the bolts. Full guide: how to ollie, then ollie higher.
5. Shove-It
Scoop the tail behind you so the board spins 180 degrees under you without popping, then land back on it. Start stationary, then rolling slowly.
6. Pop Shove-It
Add a pop to the shove-it so the board leaves the ground as it spins. See how to pop shove-it.
7. No-Comply or Boneless
Step your front foot off the board while popping the tail, then hop back on. These are fun, stylish and build creativity.
8. Drop In
If you skate ramps, dropping in is a key milestone. Commit your weight forward over the front truck. See how to drop in.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Looking down at your feet instead of where you're going.
- Leaning back on landings; keep weight over the bolts.
- Stiff legs; bend your knees.
- Practicing too long while tired.
- Skipping the basics.
What Next?
Once these feel solid, move on to the kickflip, compare heelflip vs kickflip and try your first grinds. Browse the full list of skateboard tricks and protect yourself with safety gear.
Triple Eight Saver Series Pads
Knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards in one set for learning tricks.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest skateboard trick?
The kickturn and tic-tac are among the easiest because they build on balance and pivoting without leaving the ground.
What trick should I learn first?
After you can push, turn and stop comfortably, start with kickturns, manuals and the ollie.
How long does it take to learn an ollie?
It varies a lot; some people get it in days, others in weeks or months. Regular short sessions help most.
Should I learn tricks stationary first?
Practicing on grass or carpet can help you learn the motion, but you'll need to practice rolling to land tricks properly.
Do I need pads to learn tricks?
A helmet is strongly recommended, and wrist guards and pads help a lot while learning.