---
title: Tic Tacs
image: tic-tacs.mp4
image_source: https://youtu.be/yvRQaDadlYA
image_credit: Skate Tutors
image_credit_url: https://www.youtube.com/@SkateTutorsLLC
image_title: "Learn to Tic Tac on a Skateboard For Beginners: Freestyle Trick Tip!"
image_clip: https://youtu.be/yvRQaDadlYA?0:20-0:21.6
skill: generate and control speed easily using the tic-tac technique.
tags: [fundamentals]
switch: true
authors:
- ManVsBoard
updated: 2026-10-15
---

## What this trick is

The tic tac is a way of generaring forward momentum on flat ground without pushing. It depends on timing and feel to generate speed by moving your upper body and pushing down through the tail of the board as you pivot.

## Before you try it

You should be able to stand on and ride your skateboard comfortably and already be able to generate forward momentum through pushing.

## How to do it

1. **The setup** - Your foot placement should be the same as your usual stance when riding forwards, with your front foot on or near the front bolts and your back foot on the tail.
2. **Lift your front foot** to bring the front wheels up.

3. **Apply pressure to the tail** as you pivot slighly frontside (behind you) leading with your front arm and shoulder and set the wheels down again.

4. **Swing in the oppisite direction** (backside) leading with your front arm and shoulder.

5. **Lift your nose** by lifting your front foot.

6. **Apply pressure to the tail** as you pivot, generating forward momentum. 

7. **Set your wheels down** swing your upper body frontside and repeat from step 2!

**Learn more here!**

https://youtu.be/yvRQaDadlYA

*[Skate Tutors](https://www.youtube.com/@SkateTutorsLLC) · [Learn to Tic Tac on a Skateboard For Beginners: Freestyle Trick Tip!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvRQaDadlYA)*

## Common mistakes

- **Rolling backwards** - You are leaning too far back.
- **Not generating momentum** - You are not applying pressure to the tail as you pivot.

##Helpful Tip!##
This one is all about repetition and timing. After practice you will learn the feel and be able to generate speed easily without pushing! 
## How to know you've got it

You can generate and control speed easily using the tic-tac technique.