If you're wondering what separates pro skaters from everyone else, it’s not just their tricks—it’s their habits. Today, I’m going to break down eight core things pros do every single session, year-round. These aren’t contest-only routines or high-performance secrets. These are things you can start doing today that will help you skate better tomorrow.
1. Long Warm-Up
Professional skaters understand the importance of a thorough warm-up to prepare their bodies for the demands of skating. Engaging in dynamic stretches and mobility drills increases blood flow and body temperature, reducing the risk of injury. Allocate 20 to 30 minutes to warm up both on and off the board, focusing on your ankles, hips, and back. This gradual preparation ensures your joints and muscles are ready for the session ahead.
2. Foot Position
Precise foot placement is crucial for executing tricks effectively. Pros have an intuitive sense of where their feet are on the board without looking. To develop this awareness, practice positioning your feet for various tricks, then check and adjust as needed. This exercise helps align your perception with reality, leading to more consistent performance. Remember, your feet control the board's movement; maintaining consistent pressure and positioning enhances stability and control.
3. Board Health
Regular maintenance of your skateboard is vital. Inspect your bushings for cracks or deformities, as damaged bushings can impair turning responsiveness. Additionally, be mindful of your board's pop; over time, decks can lose their responsiveness, making tricks more challenging. If you notice diminished pop or hear dull sounds from the tail, it might be time to replace your deck. Proper storage, such as keeping your board in a cool, dry place, also prolongs its lifespan.
4. Speed Control
Consistent speed is essential when attempting tricks. Pros focus on maintaining uniform speed during their approach, as variations can significantly affect trick execution. To practice, choose a starting point, take the same number of pushes, and aim to reach the obstacle at a consistent speed. This repetition builds an intuitive understanding of how much speed is required for different maneuvers.
5. Making Tricks
Breaking down tricks into individual components—speed, foot position, pop, and flick—allows for focused improvement. Celebrate incremental progress, such as achieving the correct foot placement or mastering the flick, even if you don't land the trick immediately. This approach fosters patience and acknowledges that mastering a trick is a gradual process.
6. Bailing
Learning to fall safely is as important as learning tricks. Pros are adept at bailing, which enables them to attempt challenging maneuvers with reduced risk of injury. Practice controlled falls and develop strategies for bailing in different scenarios. Understanding how to fall can keep you skating consistently and minimize downtime due to injuries.
7. Core Tricks
Regularly practicing foundational tricks enhances consistency and builds a solid skill set. Instead of constantly attempting new tricks, dedicate time to refining your core maneuvers. This repetition not only improves execution but also builds confidence and muscle memory, providing a stable foundation for more advanced tricks.
8. What People Think
Professional skaters focus on their personal progression rather than external opinions. At the skate park, prioritize working on areas you need to improve, regardless of others' perceptions. Overcoming the urge to perform for an audience allows you to concentrate on meaningful growth and long-term development.
By incorporating these eight practices into your skateboarding routine, you can progress more rapidly and safely. Remember, consistent effort and mindful habits are key to skating like a pro.