Types of Skateboard Grinds and Slides, Explained (2026)
From the 50-50 to the smith and feeble, here's what each grind looks like, how hard it is and the order most skaters learn them.
Grinds vs Slides
A grind is when your trucks scrape along an edge, ledge, rail or coping. A slide is when the wood of your deck slides along it. Most grinds start with an ollie onto the obstacle, so a solid ollie comes first. Here are the main types, grouped by how they're done.
Truck Grinds
| Grind | What Touches | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 50-50 | Both trucks | Beginner |
| 5-0 | Back truck only, nose up | Beginner to intermediate |
| Nosegrind | Front truck only, tail up | Intermediate |
| Crooked (crook) | Front truck at an angle, nose edge | Intermediate |
| Smith | Back truck, front of board dipped below the edge | Intermediate to advanced |
| Feeble | Back truck, front truck hanging over the far side | Intermediate to advanced |
| Overcrook | Front truck, nose over the far side | Advanced |
50-50
The first grind most skaters learn. Ollie up so both trucks lock onto the edge, grind with your weight centered, then turn off or ollie off.
5-0
Balance on the back truck with the nose raised, like a manual on the ledge.
Nosegrind
The opposite of a 5-0: grind on the front truck with the tail up. It takes more pop and balance.
Crooked Grind
A nosegrind at an angle, with the nose edge of the deck also touching. It's one of the most stylish ledge grinds.
Smith and Feeble
Both grind on the back truck. In a smith, the front of the board dips below the near side of the ledge. In a feeble, the front truck hangs over the far side of a rail or ledge.
Board Slides
| Slide | What Touches | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Boardslide | Middle of the deck, across the rail | Beginner to intermediate |
| Lipslide | Middle of the deck, back truck passes over first | Intermediate |
| Noseslide | Underside of the nose | Intermediate |
| Tailslide | Underside of the tail | Intermediate |
| Bluntslide | Tail with back wheels on top | Advanced |
| Noseblunt slide | Nose with front wheels on top | Advanced |
Frontside vs Backside
Every grind can be done frontside (approaching with your chest facing the obstacle) or backside (your back to it). Most beginners find backside 50-50s easier because you can see the ledge.
Suggested Learning Order
- Backside 50-50 on a low curb.
- Frontside 50-50.
- Boardslide on a low flat rail.
- 5-0.
- Noseslide and tailslide.
- Nosegrind and crooked grind.
- Smith and feeble.
Grinding Tips
- Start on low, smooth ledges or curbs.
- Approach almost parallel to the ledge at moderate speed.
- Lock in with your weight over the board.
- Rub a little skate wax on rough edges (see how to make skateboard wax).
- Wear a helmet and pads.
Want to practice at home? See skateboard ramps and rails. Grinding wears trucks, so see skateboard trucks, and check the full skateboard terms glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a grind and a slide?
A grind uses the trucks on the obstacle. A slide uses the deck itself (board, nose or tail).
What is the easiest grind to learn?
The 50-50, where both trucks grind the edge. Many skaters also learn a boardslide early on rails.
Do I need wax to grind?
Wax helps on rough ledges and curbs. Many skateparks already have slick coping.
Do grinds damage my trucks?
Grinding wears the hanger over time, which is normal. Some trucks are built with grinding in mind.
How high should I ollie to grind?
Just above the obstacle. Start with low curbs or ledges a few inches tall.