What this trick is
Pushing is how you generate speed on a skateboard: one foot stays on the board while the other pushes against the ground, then returns to the deck. You’ll use it almost everywhere in skateboarding, from flatground and street spots to getting around a skatepark.
Before you try it
You should already feel comfortable standing on your skateboard and finding your balance. You don’t need to be able to do any tricks yet.
If you're still getting used to your stance, practise standing on the board with your front foot over the front bolts and your shoulders relaxed before adding a push.
Try learning to balance confidently on the board with just your front foot
How to do it
- The setup - Start with your front foot over or just behind the front bolts, pointing roughly to the front of the nose (slightly past 12 o'clock). Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centred over the board.
- Shift most of your weight onto your front foot and take your back foot off the board. Reach it down to the ground on the side of the board and push back against the ground (parallel to the board). As the board moves forward, bring your pushing foot back onto the deck.
- Once you're comfortable, use several smooth pushes before returning your back foot rather than trying to make one huge push.
- The Roll Away - Put your pushing foot back on the board between the rear bolts and tail, then reposition the front foot to a comfortable riding position (usually pointing around 1 or 2 o'clock). Bend your knees slightly and let the board roll underneath you. A clean push should flow straight into riding without a wobble or sudden change of direction.
Learn more here!
Video by VLSkate
Common mistakes
Putting too much weight on the pushing foot - If you feel like you're stepping off rather than pushing, you're probably taking too much weight away from your front foot. Keep your front foot planted and think “push the ground back”
Standing too upright - Locked knees make the board feel unstable and make it harder to control your weight. Keep a small bend in both knees and stay relaxed.
How to know you've got it
You've got a clean push when you can push several times in a row without wobbling, looking down, or having to step off. Your front foot stays stable, your pushes feel smooth rather than forced, and you can return your back foot to the board while continuing to roll in a straight line.
You can go for an enjoyable 'cruise', riding your skateboard around with ease!
Before ticking it off, aim to be able to push comfortably on both smooth flat ground and slightly rougher surfaces, start and stop under control, and maintain your balance while changing speed.