The backside big spin is a stylish and technical trick that combines a 360-degree board spin with a 180-degree body rotation. To make this trick feel effortless, you need to dial in your foot position, loading phase, and landing technique. Let’s break it down step by step.
Setting Up for the Backside Big Spin
Your foot placement is key to controlling the spin:
- Front Foot: Place it slightly lower than usual, around the halfway point of the board, angled slightly forward. Keep your weight on the ball of your foot while maintaining balance.
- Back Foot: Position it in the center of the tail, slightly toward the toe side—but not too much, or the board might accidentally flip. This setup allows for a controlled 360-degree spin without unwanted flips.
- Weight Distribution: Keep more weight on your back foot to generate the power needed for the spin. Shifting too much weight forward can kill your momentum.
Loading Phase: Preparing for the Spin
Before launching into the trick, you need to wind up properly:
- Rotate your back shoulder over your front toe while squatting down. This helps generate the rotation needed for the spin.
- The trick isn’t just a shove-it mixed with a back 180—it requires extra power to get the board all the way around.
- If you're struggling to complete the rotation, focus on loading with a deeper squat and ensuring your chest faces forward during the wind-up.
The Launch: Executing the Trick
Many skaters struggle with this phase because they don’t properly combine their jump with their rotation. Here’s how to do it right:
- Jump up and away from the board while throwing the tail down and back. Think of it like bowling—you’re guiding the board in a controlled direction.
- Avoid the common mistake of spinning too early while still crouched down—this reduces your ability to transfer rotation into the board.
- Strike the center of the tail (not the toe side) to prevent unwanted flipping.
Catching the Board Mid-Air
Once the board reaches 90 degrees, your front foot plays a crucial role:
- Keep your front foot in place—don’t try to help the spin by dragging it around.
- The back trucks should meet your front foot mid-air, allowing you to catch the board cleanly.
- Be patient—wait for the board to reach 90 degrees before catching it. Catching too early can stop the rotation.
Sticking the Landing
When coming down, focus on:
- Extending your back foot behind you while keeping your front foot as a balance point.
- Staying centered over your board—if you’re too far on the toe side, you’ll lose control.
- Aiming to land slightly behind your center line to allow for a natural finish to the rotation.
Some skaters prefer landing fully rotated and transferring their weight to the new front foot. This works well at higher speeds or off obstacles.
Final Thoughts
The backside big spin is a balance of power, control, and timing. By perfecting your foot position, launch technique, and landing strategy, you can master this trick and roll away cleanly. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the process!