Skateboard Tricks for Beginners, in the Order to Learn Them (2026)
Fifteen foundational skateboard tricks arranged from first ride to first flip trick, with what each one teaches you.
How to Use This List
Skateboard tricks build on each other. Balance and board control come first, then the ollie, which unlocks almost every street trick. The list below follows a common learning order, from your first rolls to your first flip trick and grind. Don't rush: getting comfortable with each step makes the next trick easier. If you're brand new, start with how to skateboard and how to fall safely.
Tricks at a Glance
| # | Trick | Difficulty | What It Teaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riding, pushing and stopping | Beginner | Balance and control |
| 2 | Kick turn | Beginner | Tail control |
| 3 | Tic-tac | Beginner | Generating speed with your feet |
| 4 | Manual | Beginner | Balance on two wheels |
| 5 | Fakie riding | Beginner | Riding backward |
| 6 | Drop in | Beginner | Commitment on ramps |
| 7 | Ollie | Beginner to intermediate | Popping the board |
| 8 | Frontside 180 | Intermediate | Rotation |
| 9 | Backside 180 | Intermediate | Rotation |
| 10 | Pop shuvit | Intermediate | Spinning the board |
| 11 | Nollie | Intermediate | Popping off the nose |
| 12 | Boardslide | Intermediate | Sliding on rails and ledges |
| 13 | 50-50 grind | Intermediate | Grinding on both trucks |
| 14 | Kickflip | Intermediate | Flipping the board |
| 15 | Heelflip | Intermediate | Flipping the other way |
Foundation Skills
1. Riding, Pushing and Stopping
Before any trick, get comfortable pushing, riding with your feet over the bolts, turning and stopping. Learn whether you're regular or goofy. See goofy vs regular, how to turn and how to stop.
2. Kick Turn
Press down on the tail to lift the front wheels, then pivot the board to turn. Kick turns are essential for skateparks and tight turns. See how to kick turn.
3. Tic-Tac
Swing the front of the board side to side with small kick turns to build speed without pushing. It sharpens tail control and balance.
4. Manual
Balance on your back wheels while rolling, with the nose in the air. Nose manuals balance on the front wheels. See how to manual.
5. Fakie Riding
Ride backward in your normal stance. Fakie riding is needed for ramps and many tricks.
6. Drop In
Start on the coping of a ramp with your tail locked, lean forward and roll in. It takes commitment more than skill. See how to drop in.
The Ollie and First Air Tricks
7. Ollie
Pop the tail and slide your front foot up to lift the board into the air. The ollie is the foundation of street skating. Our step-by-step guide covers it in detail: how to ollie. Compare ollie vs nollie.
8. Frontside 180
Ollie while turning your body and board 180 degrees with your chest leading. You land riding fakie.
9. Backside 180
The same rotation with your back leading. Many skaters find it harder because you can't see where you're landing.
10. Pop Shuvit
Pop the tail while scooping it backward so the board spins 180 degrees beneath you, then land on it. See how to pop shove-it.
11. Nollie
An ollie popped off the nose with your front foot, sliding your back foot toward the tail.
First Grinds and Slides
12. Boardslide
Ollie onto a low rail or ledge so the middle of the board slides across it, then turn back to land. Start on a low, flat bar.
13. 50-50 Grind
Ollie onto a ledge or rail so both trucks grind along it, then pop off the end. See types of skateboard grinds.
First Flip Tricks
14. Kickflip
Pop an ollie and flick the board with your front foot so it flips along its length, then catch it. See how to kickflip.
15. Heelflip
Like a kickflip, but you flick with your heel so the board flips the other way. See heelflip vs kickflip.
Tips for Learning Tricks
- Wear a helmet and wrist guards, especially while learning new tricks. See skateboard safety gear.
- Practice stationary on grass or carpet first, then rolling slowly.
- Film yourself to spot problems with foot placement and timing.
- Learn one trick at a time and practice it regularly.
- Skate with friends; watching others helps you learn.
- Take breaks; tired legs lead to sloppy landings and injuries.
Need the right board? Read types of skateboards, beginner skateboards and skate shoes. For a deeper progression plan, see skateboard tricks learning order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first skateboard trick to learn?
Most skaters learn the kick turn and tic-tac first, then the manual and the ollie. The ollie is the foundation for nearly every other street trick.
How long does it take to learn an ollie?
It varies widely. Some people get a small ollie in a few days; for others it takes weeks. Practice regularly on a smooth surface and focus on the pop and the front-foot slide.
What is the easiest flip trick?
Many skaters find the pop shuvit easier than flip tricks because the board spins without flipping. The kickflip is usually the first true flip trick people learn.
Should I learn tricks on grass or carpet?
Grass or carpet stops the board rolling, which helps you learn foot positions and timing. Move to smooth concrete once you're comfortable, since the board behaves differently when rolling.
Do I need special shoes for skateboard tricks?
Skate shoes with flat, grippy soles and durable suede uppers make flip tricks easier and last longer against griptape.