Welcome to the gnarly world of skateboarding! If you’re looking to add a trick to your repertoire that screams “I’m cool” while also making you the undisputed king or queen of the ledge, then the backside 50-50 grind is your golden ticket. This trick is like the Swiss Army knife of grinds—versatile, stylish, and a surefire way to impress your skate crew. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, we’ll break down everything you need to know to nail this trick, and we’ll let you in on how Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles can help you get there faster than you can say “pop shove-it.”
What is a Backside 50-50 Grind?
Defining the Trick
A backside 50-50 grind is a classic skateboarding maneuver where you slide both trucks of your skateboard along a rail or ledge. The term "backside" means that your body faces away from the direction you’re grinding, and the "50-50" refers to both trucks being on the ledge or rail.
Breaking Down the Trick
Backside: Your back is facing the direction of the grind.
50-50: Both trucks of your skateboard are grinding along the rail or ledge.
Grind: The act of sliding on the rail or ledge with the trucks.
This trick combines style and technical skill, making it a crowd-pleaser wherever you skate.
Prerequisites: Building the Basics
Before you dive into the world of backside 50-50 grinds, you need to have some basics down. Think of this as building your skateboarding resume—if you can’t land a solid ollie or handle a basic grind, you might want to get those skills under your belt first.
Key Skills to Master
Ollie: You need to be able to ollie with confidence. The ollie is the building block of most tricks, and if you can’t get the board off the ground, grinds will be a far-off dream.
50-50 Grind on a Rail or Ledge: Practicing a frontside 50-50 grind will help you get the feel for grinding. You’ll learn how to balance and control your board on the rail or ledge.
Backside 180: Since this is a backside grind, getting comfortable with backside 180s will help you maintain the right body positioning.
Preparing Your Skateboard Setup
A properly set-up skateboard is crucial for performing tricks like the backside 50-50 grind. Here’s what you need to consider:
Deck and Trucks
Deck Size: A medium-sized deck (7.75" to 8.25") offers a good balance between control and stability.
Trucks: Ensure your trucks are tight enough to provide stability but not so tight that they hinder your ability to turn. Adjustable trucks help in finding the right balance.
Wheels and Bearings
Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are ideal for street skating and ledge tricks.
Bearings: Good-quality bearings will ensure a smooth grind. Clean or replace them regularly to maintain performance.
Grip Tape
A fresh grip tape job can make a huge difference in your ability to control your board during tricks. Make sure your grip tape is in good condition to ensure a solid grip during takeoff and landing.
Foot Placement and Body Position
Proper foot placement and body position are crucial for executing a clean backside 50-50 grind. Here’s how to set up:
Foot Placement
Back Foot: Place your back foot on the tail of the skateboard. This foot will be crucial for popping the board up onto the rail or ledge.
Front Foot: Position your front foot across the board, slightly angled towards the rail or ledge. This will help with getting the board into the right position.
Body Position
Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the direction of the grind. You want to face away from the rail or ledge.
Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and to help with balance during the grind.
Head: Look forward and keep your eyes on the rail or ledge to maintain focus and balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Backside 50-50 Grind
Step 1: Setup and Approach
Begin by riding towards the rail or ledge at a comfortable speed. Position yourself so that you’re approaching the obstacle at a slight angle, with your body facing away from it.
Step 2: Pop the Board
Pop with Your Back Foot: Use your back foot to pop the board up onto the rail or ledge. This action should be firm but controlled.
Keep Your Weight Centered: As you pop the board, ensure your weight is centered over it to prevent tipping or wobbling.
Step 3: Lift and Align
Lift the Front of the Board: As you approach the rail or ledge, lift the front of the board with your front foot to get it onto the obstacle.
Align the Trucks: Aim to get both trucks onto the rail or ledge. Your goal is to have the board completely balanced on the obstacle.
Step 4: Grind and Maintain Balance
Stay Centered: Once you’re on the rail or ledge, keep your weight centered over the board. This will help maintain balance and control during the grind.
Keep Your Feet Secure: Make sure both feet are securely on the board. Avoid shifting your weight too much as this can lead to losing balance.
Step 5: Prepare for the Exit
Start to Unwind: As you approach the end of the rail or ledge, prepare to exit the grind. This involves shifting your weight slightly to prepare for the landing.
Stay Focused: Keep your eyes on the landing spot and be ready to absorb the impact.
Step 6: Land and Roll Away
Land with Both Feet: Aim to land with both feet over the bolts of the skateboard. This will provide stability and prevent you from falling off.
Roll Away Smoothly: Maintain your balance and continue rolling away smoothly. Enjoy the feeling of completing a clean grind!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Learning a trick like the backside 50-50 grind can come with its fair share of hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
Problem 1: Sliding Off the Rail or Ledge
Solution: Ensure your approach angle and speed are correct. Make sure you’re popping the board high enough to get both trucks onto the rail or ledge.
Problem 2: Not Getting Both Trucks On
Solution: Practice your pop and alignment. You might need to pop harder or adjust your approach to ensure both trucks make contact with the rail or ledge.
Problem 3: Losing Balance During the Grind
Solution: Focus on keeping your weight centered over the board. Practice balancing exercises on flat ground to improve your overall control.
Problem 4: Wobbling on the Grind
Solution: Check your truck tightness and skateboard setup. Ensure your trucks are adjusted correctly and your bearings are in good condition.
How Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles Can Help
Learning a trick like the backside 50-50 grind can be much easier with expert guidance. That’s where Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles comes in. Our professional instructors are dedicated to helping skaters of all levels master their skills and tricks.
Why Choose Coyote Skate School?
Experienced Instructors: Our team of experienced instructors are passionate about skateboarding and skilled at teaching complex tricks like the backside 50-50 grind.
Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level and learning style. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skater, we’ve got you covered.
Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate School, we provide a supportive and encouraging environment where you can learn and grow as a skater.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum includes a range of tricks and skills, from basics to advanced maneuvers. We provide structured lessons to ensure efficient progress.
Convenient Locations: Located in Los Angeles, we offer diverse skateboarding locations, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica, for a variety of skateboarding experiences.
Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons
Accelerated Learning: With professional guidance, you’ll learn tricks more quickly and effectively. Our instructors provide valuable insights and techniques to speed up your progress.
Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Our personalized feedback will enhance your skills and confidence.
Increased Confidence: As you master new tricks, your confidence on the board will grow. We provide a safe environment where you can take risks and push your limits.
Safety and Injury Prevention: Our instructors emphasize safety and teach proper techniques to minimize the risk of injury. We stress the importance of wearing protective gear and practicing smart skateboarding habits.
Practice Drills and Exercises
To improve your backside 50-50 grind consistency and confidence, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:
Ollie Practice
Work on your ollie technique to ensure a strong pop and controlled lift. Practice ollies on flat ground and over small obstacles.
Grind Practice
Practice frontside 50-50 grinds on a rail or ledge to get a feel for balancing and controlling the board during the grind.
Balance Exercises
Improve your balance by practicing exercises on flat ground and using balance boards. Focus on maintaining a centered stance and controlling your movements.
Pop and Lift Drills
Work on your pop and lift by practicing ollies and nollies. This will help you get the board high enough and aligned correctly for the grind.
Embrace the Journey
Learning the backside 50-50 grind is a rewarding journey that requires patience, persistence, and practice. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and remember that every attempt brings you closer to mastering the trick. Whether you're skating in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, enjoy the thrill of skateboarding and the endless possibilities it offers.
By following this comprehensive guide and seeking expert instruction from Coyote Skate School, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the backside 50-50 grind and expanding your skateboarding skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, there’s always something new to learn and discover in the world of skateboarding. Keep pushing your limits, exploring new tricks, and enjoying the incredible journey that skateboarding offers.
So grab your skateboard, head to your favorite skate spot, and get ready to grind with style. And if you ever need a hand—or a push—in the right direction, remember that Coyote Skate School is here to help you kickflip your way to skateboarding greatness.
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