Los Angeles skateboard coach Coyote Rob shows us this skateboard trick in today's online skateboarding lesson!
So, you’ve mastered the ollie, nailed the kickflip, and finally got your noseblunt slide down to a science. Now, you’re ready for the next big thing— the frontside smith grind. This trick not only boosts your skate cred but also gives your skating style that extra je ne sais quoi. Ready to learn how to execute this trick like a pro? We’ve got you covered with a detailed, entertaining guide on how to do a frontside smith grind. And if you're in Los Angeles and want to up your game even further, Coyote Skate & Surf School has got the expert skateboard lessons and surf lessons you need. Let’s dive in!
What is a Frontside Smith Grind?
The frontside smith grind is a skateboarding trick where you slide your front truck along the rail or ledge while your back truck hangs off the edge. This maneuver not only looks cool but also shows off your board control and style. It’s like doing a magic trick—except with more grinding and less wizardry.
Key Components of the Frontside Smith Grind
Frontside Grind: Your front truck is locked onto the rail or ledge.
Smith Grind: Your back truck hangs off, and the board slides on the front truck.
Body Positioning: Proper alignment is crucial for maintaining balance and control.
Prerequisites: Building Your Foundation
Before you attempt a frontside smith grind, make sure you’ve mastered the following tricks:
Ollie: You need a solid ollie to get the board up onto the ledge or rail.
Frontside 50-50 Grind: The smith grind is like a 50-50 but with an extra level of difficulty—so make sure you’re comfortable with frontside 50-50s.
Board Control: You should have good control over your board during slides and grinds.
Preparing Your Skateboard Setup
Your skateboard setup plays a big role in how easily you can execute the frontside smith grind. Here’s what you should consider:
Deck Size: Opt for a medium-sized deck (around 7.75" to 8.25") for a good balance between control and stability.
Grip Tape: Ensure your grip tape is fresh and grippy to maintain your foot placement.
Trucks: Adjust your trucks to a comfortable tightness—too loose, and you risk wobbling; too tight, and you might struggle with maneuverability.
Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) work best for street skating and grinds.
Foot Placement and Body Position
Getting your foot placement and body positioning just right is crucial for nailing the frontside smith grind. Here’s the lowdown:
Foot Placement
Front Foot: Place your front foot near the front bolts, angled slightly forward. This foot will help lock the front truck onto the rail or ledge.
Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail of the skateboard, angled to help you maintain balance and control.
Body Position
Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board. This alignment helps with balance and precision.
Knees: Bend your knees slightly to prepare for the grind and absorb impact.
Head: Look straight ahead, focused on where you’re sliding and grinding.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Frontside Smith Grind
Step 1: Setup and Approach
Start by riding at a comfortable speed toward the ledge or rail. Make sure you have enough speed to get onto the obstacle but not so much that you lose control.
Step 2: Execute the Ollie
Pop the Ollie: Use your back foot to pop the board off the ground, aiming to get your front truck onto the ledge or rail.
Guide the Board: As you pop the ollie, guide the front truck towards the edge of the obstacle while keeping your back truck in position.
Step 3: Lock In the Front Truck
Lock the Front Truck: Aim to get your front truck onto the rail or ledge with a solid lock. Your front foot should be positioned to keep the truck in place.
Adjust Your Weight: Shift your weight slightly forward to keep the front truck locked while your back truck slides along.
Step 4: Slide and Grind
Maintain Balance: Keep your body centered over the board and maintain your balance as you slide along the ledge or rail.
Control the Slide: Use your back foot to control the board’s movement and ensure you don’t slip off.
Step 5: Prepare for the Landing
Look Ahead: Focus on your landing spot and prepare to dismount from the grind.
Bend Your Knees: As you approach the end of the grind, bend your knees to prepare for a smooth landing.
Step 6: Land and Roll Away
Land with Both Feet: Ensure both feet are over the bolts and that you land with your knees bent to absorb the impact.
Roll Away Smoothly: Maintain your balance and roll away smoothly, celebrating your successful frontside smith grind!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Learning the frontside smith grind can be challenging, and you might run into some common issues. Here’s how to fix them:
Problem 1: Front Truck Not Locking In
Solution: Make sure you’re popping the ollie high enough and guiding the front truck onto the rail or ledge properly. Adjust your foot placement if needed to get a better lock.
Problem 2: Sliding Off the Rail or Ledge
Solution: Focus on your balance and body positioning. Keep your shoulders aligned with the board and use your back foot to control the slide.
Problem 3: Back Truck Hitting the Rail
Solution: Make sure you’re not leaning too far forward. Shift your weight slightly back to avoid the back truck hitting the rail or ledge.
Problem 4: Difficulty Landing
Solution: Practice your landings by performing ollies and grinds on flat ground. Work on absorbing impact and maintaining balance during landings.
How Coyote Skate & Surf School Can Help
Mastering the frontside smith grind requires guidance, practice, and dedication. Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles offers expert skateboard lessons and surf lessons to help you achieve your skateboarding and surfing goals.
Why Choose Coyote Skate & Surf School?
Experienced Instructors: Our team of experienced instructors is passionate about skateboarding and surfing, and they’re dedicated to helping you reach your full potential.
Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level and learning style. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skater, we have lessons designed just for you.
Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate & Surf School, we foster a supportive and encouraging environment where you can learn and grow. Our instructors are committed to helping you succeed while having fun.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers a wide range of tricks and skills, from basics to advanced maneuvers. We provide structured lessons and practice sessions to ensure efficient progress.
Convenient Locations: With locations in Los Angeles, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica, our skate school is easily accessible and offers diverse environments for learning and practicing.
Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons
Accelerated Learning: Professional guidance helps you learn tricks more quickly and efficiently. Our instructors provide valuable insights and techniques to speed up your learning process.
Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Our instructors offer personalized feedback to enhance your skills and develop your unique style.
Increased Confidence: As you progress and master new tricks, your confidence on the board will grow. We create a safe and supportive environment where you can take risks and push your limits.
Safety and Injury Prevention: Our instructors prioritize safety and teach proper techniques to minimize the risk of injury. We emphasize the importance of wearing protective gear and practicing smart skateboarding habits.
Benefits of Surf Lessons at Coyote Skate & Surf School
If you’re interested in expanding your skills beyond skateboarding, Coyote Skate & Surf School also offers surf lessons in Los Angeles. Surfing shares many similarities with skateboarding, such as balance and coordination, and learning to surf can enhance your overall skateboarding skills.
Experienced Surf Instructors: Our surf instructors are skilled and experienced, offering personalized lessons to help you master surfing techniques.
Tailored Surf Lessons: Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your surfing skills, we offer lessons tailored to your skill level and goals.
Supportive Surfing Environment: We provide a supportive and fun environment for learning to surf, just as we do for skateboarding.
Practice Drills and Exercises
To improve your frontside smith grind consistency and confidence, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:
Frontside 50-50 Grind Practice
Work on your frontside 50-50 grinds to build confidence in locking your front truck onto the rail or ledge. Focus on maintaining balance and control throughout the grind.
Ollie Variations
Practice ollies with different heights and angles to improve your ability to get onto the rail or ledge. This practice will help you pop the board higher and with more precision.
Slide and Grind Exercises
Perform slides and grinds on flat ground to build your board control and balance. Focus on maintaining a smooth and controlled motion during each slide or grind.
Balance and Landing Drills
Practice balancing on the board and landing from different heights to improve your landing technique. Work on bending your knees and absorbing impact to land smoothly.
Embrace the Journey
Learning the frontside smith grind is a challenging but rewarding journey that requires practice, persistence, and a sense of humor. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the thrill of skateboarding. Remember, every attempt brings you closer to mastering the trick, and with the right guidance and dedication, you’ll be grinding like a pro in no time.
By following this comprehensive guide and seeking expert lessons from Coyote Skate & Surf School, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the frontside smith grind and taking your skateboarding skills to the next level. Whether you’re rolling through Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, keep pushing your limits, exploring new tricks, and enjoying the incredible world of skateboarding. And if you’re looking to catch some waves as well, our surf lessons are here to help you ride the tides with the same style and finesse.
Happy grinding, and see you at the skate park or on the waves!
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