How to Manual on a Skateboard (2026)

What Is a Manual?

A manual is balancing on your back wheels while rolling, with the nose up and the tail off the ground. A nose manual is the same on the front wheels. Manuals build balance for many tricks and look great on manual pads and flat ground.

Before You Start

• Find a flat, open, smooth spot, like an empty parking lot. Painted lines make handy distance markers.
• Roll at a steady speed. Too slow and you'll stall; a little speed makes balancing easier.
• Expect tail scrapes. A tail guard or simply accepting some wear on the tail is part of learning.

Step by Step

1. Practice stationary on grass or carpet to find the balance point.
2. Back foot on the tail, toes near the edge; front foot just behind the front bolts.
3. Roll slowly on smooth ground.
4. Shift weight back gently so the nose lifts.
5. Balance using your arms and small ankle adjustments.
6. Keep knees bent and look ahead.
7. Set the nose down by shifting weight forward.

Common Problems

Holding It Longer

• Make small corrections. Shift weight forward slightly if the tail is about to touch, back if the nose drops. Overcorrecting is the most common reason manuals end early.
• Don't lock your knees. Soft knees absorb bumps and let you steer a little with your back foot.
• Keep shoulders level and over the board, with eyes on a point ahead.
• End smoothly: lower the nose by bending your front knee a bit more, then roll away.

Drills

• Manual between two cracks in the pavement, then three.
• Manual across a line on a basketball court.
• Try nose manuals once regular manuals feel steady.
• Ollie into a manual once your ollie is consistent. See how to ollie.

Manual Variations

Gear

Next: kickturns, trick learning order and easy beginner tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions