There are a variety of skills in skateboarding that beginners need to learn in order to progress. But, the first and most crucial is pushing on a skateboard properly. This can be tricky for beginners, however, it becomes easier with a bit of practice. Here, we’ll share some tips on how to push on a skateboard without falling.
As a beginner, it’s true that there is something extremely satisfying and empowering about being able to push a skateboard without falling down. It’s like conquering a mini-challenge, and feeling that you can do more with your board.
That’s why we have come up with the easiest way of pushing on a skateboard, follow these steps and you’ll be cruising in no time!
Remember to wear safety gear like a skate helmet, elbow and knee pads before riding a skateboard.
New skaters find it very frustrating when they fall while trying to push on a skateboard. However, you can spare yourself from all this frustration by following the below steps;
There are two basic stances that new skaters can use while pushing on a skateboard – the “regular” stance and the “goofy” stance. In a regular stance, you stand on a skateboard with your left foot in front and right foot at the back. You’ll be using your right foot to push the board.
A goofy stance is the opposite of the regular stance, you stand on a skateboard with your right foot in front and left foot at the back. You’ll be pushing the board with your left foot.
Stand on the board and try to move it a little and see which stance you feel comfortable with – that’s your skateboard stance!
2. Foot Position
Now that you’ve found your stance, it’s time to position your feet correctly on the board. Place your front foot on top of the front hardware and make sure your body weight is over the front foot. Your back foot stays on the ground, and both feet should be parallel facing forward.
3. Learn to Balance Your Weight
DO NOT RUSH! After placing your feet in position, start lifting your back foot off the ground and put all the load on the front foot without moving the board. You need to focus, keep your body stable and repeat the process again and again until you find it comfortable.
Remember, do not let the board move – yet! It is essential to learn how to stabilize your body – practice it as much as you can.
4. Start Pushing
It’s time to start pushing, simply put your front foot on top of the deck and start pushing with the back foot. Remember to keep your back straight and your knees bent as you push.
You can use your back foot to control the speed – the harder you push, the faster you’ll go. Also, make sure to keep your eyes up so that you can see where you are going and avoid obstacles.
Maybe it sounds quite easy, but it’s not! Beginners often lose their balance or try to speed and eventually end up on the ground. It is a slow process, keep practicing to master it.
We recommend taking little steps first and keeping your back foot close to the ground.
5. Place Both Feet on the Skateboard
Once you’ve gotten comfortable with pushing, it’s time to start placing both feet on the skateboard. For this, simply put your front foot on top of the deck and push the board with your back foot until you get some speed. Then, slowly place your back foot on top of the deck without losing balance.
Enjoi skateboards are a bit wider than others, we recommend them for beginners because they provide extra room to place feet on the deck.
Video Guide for Beginners on Pushing on a Skateboard
How to Stop?
When it comes to stopping a skateboard, there are two braking methods that you can use – the front foot brake and the back foot brake. For the front foot brake, simply place your front foot on top of the deck and drag it along the ground to slow down.
Alternatively, you can use your back foot to brake by dragging it along the ground behind you. Experiment with both methods to see which one works better for you.
Tips for Pushing a Skateboard Properly
Always bend your knees when pushing – this will help you keep your balance and avoid injury.
When placing your feet on the deck, make sure that your front foot is positioned slightly behind the center of the deck. This will give you more stability and control.
If you are pushing uphill, lean forward slightly to maintain balance.
When going downhill, use your back foot to control the speed – don’t go too fast or you’ll lose control.
Practice, practice, practice! The more you push, the better you’ll get at it.
Pushing on a skateboard may seem difficult at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes easier. Just remember to bend your knees, keep your balance, and practice as much as you can. Soon enough, you’ll be pushing like a pro-skater!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you push when moving on a skateboard?
It seems challenging to push a moving skateboard but you can learn it with a bit of practice. To push when moving on a skateboard, simply shift your body weight on the front foot and slowly drag down your back foot close to the ground. Now, push the ground backward without shifting your weight – keep it balanced on the front foot. Keep pushing until you reach the desired speed.
Is there a wrong way to push on a skateboard?
There is no wrong way to push on a skateboard but there are some techniques that may be less effective than others. For example, beginners often make the mistake of rushing and trying to go too fast. This often leads to them losing their balance and falling. It is also important to keep your back straight and your knees bent when pushing. This will help you maintain balance and control.
What is pushing on a skateboard called?
Pushing on a skateboard is also called pumping. Pumping is a skating technique that helps you build speed and momentum without having to push off the ground. To pump, simply shift your weight from foot to foot and use your legs to push against the ground. As you build speed, you can start to make small jumps to help you keep your momentum going.
How long does it take to learn how do you push on a skateboard?
This depends on the person. Some people may be able to pick it up quickly while others may take longer. The best way to learn is by practicing as much as possible. Start by pushing on a flat surface and then move on to inclines and declines. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
There are two basic stances that new skaters can use while pushing on a skateboard – the “regular” stance and the “goofy” stance. In a regular stance, you stand on a skateboard with your left foot in front and right foot at the back. You’ll be using your right foot to push the board.
Now that you’ve found your stance, it’s time to position your feet correctly on the board. Place your front foot on top of the front hardware and make sure your body weight is over the front foot. Your back foot stays on the ground, and both feet should be parallel facing forward.
DO NOT RUSH! After placing your feet in position, start lifting your back foot off the ground and put all the load on the front foot without moving the board. You need to focus, keep your body stable and repeat the process again and again until you find it comfortable.
It’s time to start pushing, simply put your front foot on top of the deck and start pushing with the back foot. Remember to keep your back straight and your knees bent as you push.
