Ultimate Guide to the List of Fingerboard Tricks
Are you passionate about fingerboarding and eager to expand your repertoire of tricks? Whether you're a beginner or an advanced rider, mastering a diverse list of fingerboard tricks can elevate your skill level and impress your friends. Fingerboarding is an art that combines precision, creativity, and practice, and knowing a wide range of tricks is essential for progression. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most popular and impressive fingerboard tricks, providing detailed descriptions and tips to help you perfect each move.
Understanding the Basics of Fingerboard Tricks
Before diving into the list of fingerboard tricks, it's crucial to understand the fundamentals. Fingerboarding involves using your fingers to simulate skateboarding tricks on a miniature skateboard called a fingerboard. The key to mastering tricks lies in control, timing, and technique. As you become more skilled, you can combine tricks or add style elements to create your own unique routines.
Essential Tricks for Beginners
Starting with foundational tricks is vital for building confidence and developing your skills. Here are some essential tricks to include in your list of fingerboard tricks:
Ollie
The ollie is the cornerstone of many advanced tricks. To perform an ollie, pop the tail of the fingerboard with your back finger while sliding your front finger upward, leveling the board in mid-air. Practice controlling the height and smoothness of your ollies.
Shuvit
A shuvit involves rotating the fingerboard 180 degrees beneath your fingers without flipping it. To execute, scoop the tail of the board with your back finger while guiding the front finger to rotate the board smoothly.
Pop Shuvit
Combining the pop of an ollie with a shuvit, the pop shuvit adds style and complexity. Pop the tail downward and scoop it around while keeping the board level.
Manual
Perform a manual by balancing the fingerboard on its trucks while moving forward or backward. It requires precise control and balance.
Intermediate Fingerboard Tricks to Master
Once you’re comfortable with basic tricks, it’s time to explore more advanced maneuvers that will enhance your list of fingerboard tricks:
Kickflip
A kickflip involves flipping the fingerboard 360 degrees along the axis that runs from nose to tail. To perform, execute an ollie and flick the edge of the board with your front finger to initiate the flip. Catch the board with your back fingers as it completes the flip and land smoothly.
Heelflip
Similar to the kickflip but flicking the board with your heel instead of your front finger. This trick requires a different flick motion but adds variety to your tricks.
Varial
A combination of a shuvit and a flip (kickflip or heelflip). For instance, a varial kickflip involves flipping the board while performing a shuvit.
Hardflip
A hardflip combines a frontside shuvit with a kickflip. It’s a challenging trick that requires precise timing and flicking.
Impossible
An advanced trick where the fingerboard wraps around your fingers in a continuous rotation, resembling a 360-degree spin. It’s visually impressive and demonstrates high control.
Advanced Fingerboard Tricks for the Pros
For experienced fingerboarders looking to push boundaries, these tricks are a must in your list of fingerboard tricks:
360 Flip (Tre Flip)
A 360 flip combines a full shuvit with a kickflip, resulting in the board spinning 360 degrees in the air. It demands exceptional coordination and timing.
Laser Flip
A complex flip where a hardflip is combined with a 360 shuvit. It’s a highly advanced trick that shows technical mastery.
Bigspin
A 360 shuvit performed with a longer rotation, often combined with flips for style points.
Gazelle Flip
An intricate flip involving a kickflip combined with a 180-degree shuvit, performed with style and finesse.
Fingerboard Flips with Style
Beyond basic tricks, stylized variations like flip flips, late flips, or combining multiple tricks (trick combos) are popular among pros. These include moving tricks, grind tricks, or fingerboard slides, adding flair to your routine.
Specialized Tricks and Variations
Once you're familiar with standard tricks, you can start experimenting with unique variations:
Nollie
A nollie is performed by popping the nose of the fingerboard instead of the tail, enabling tricks like nollie flips or nollie shuvits.
Fakie
Perform tricks while the board is reversed or in a backward stance, adding variety and difficulty.
Switch Tricks
Perform tricks from a switch stance, which involves reversing your normal stance. It’s essential for advanced trick combos.
Manual to Flip
Perform a manual, then pop into a flip trick directly from the manual, creating seamless trick combos.
Tips for Practicing Fingerboard Tricks
Mastering the list of fingerboard tricks requires patience and consistent practice. Here are some tips to help you improve:
- Start Slow: Focus on control and accuracy before increasing speed.
- Use Proper Equipment: A high-quality fingerboard and smooth trucks can make a significant difference.
- Watch Tutorials: Visual guides and tutorials help understand trick execution.
- Record Your Sessions: Watching your videos can reveal areas for improvement.
- Practice Daily: Regular practice helps develop muscle memory and precision.
- Learn from Others: Join fingerboarding communities online or locally for feedback and inspiration.
Conclusion: Building Your Perfect List of Fingerboard Tricks
Creating a diverse list of fingerboard tricks is essential for progression and style in the fingerboarding world. Start with fundamental tricks like ollies and shuvits, then gradually move towards complex maneuvers like kickflips, heelflips, and 360 flips. Experiment with variations, combos, and stylized tricks to develop your unique fingerboarding style. Remember, patience and consistent practice are key to mastering these tricks and elevating your skills.
Whether you're aiming to compete, film tricks, or simply enjoy the craft, expanding your list of fingerboard tricks will keep your sessions exciting and challenging. Keep practicing, stay creative, and most importantly, have fun pushing the limits of what's possible on your fingerboard!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some basic fingerboard tricks for beginners?
Common beginner tricks include ollies, shuvits, and kickflips. These foundational tricks help build control and understanding of fingerboard mechanics before progressing to more advanced tricks.
How can I improve my fingerboard flip tricks?
Practice your flicking technique, focus on the timing and speed of your finger movements, and start with simpler flips like kickflips and varials before attempting complex flips like 360 flips or inward heelflips.
What are some advanced fingerboard tricks to master?
Advanced tricks include magic flips, double flips, hardflips, and flip combos like kickflip to shuvit or heelflip to 360 shove. These tricks require precise control and multiple rotations.
Are there specific tricks for transitioning from street to park fingerboarding?
Yes, tricks like boardslides, lipslides, and noseslides are common in park setups, while technical flip tricks are more street-oriented. Practicing both types of tricks helps diversify your skill set.
What gear or setup is best for practicing fingerboard tricks?
A high-quality fingerboard with smooth trucks, good grip tape, and durable deck material is essential. Additionally, using a clean and stable surface for practice can improve control and execution of tricks.
How do I progress from static tricks to combo tricks on my fingerboard?
Start by mastering individual tricks with consistent execution, then gradually combine them into sequences. Focus on smooth transitions, timing, and maintaining control to successfully perform trick combos.
