How To Shove-it On A Skateboard: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Rajiv Sharma 54 views

Hey guys! Want to learn how to shove-it on a skateboard? The shove-it, also known as the shuvit, is a foundational skateboarding trick that’s way easier than it looks. It’s all about the board spinning 180 degrees beneath your feet without you actually popping it like an ollie. This trick is your gateway to a ton of other cool flat ground tricks, so mastering it is super important. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from the basics to landing it consistently. Let’s get rolling!

What is a Shove-it?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what a shove-it really is. A shove-it is a skateboarding trick where the board rotates 180 degrees horizontally, either backside (away from your heels) or frontside (away from your toes), while the rider stays more or less in the same spot. The beauty of a shove-it lies in its simplicity; unlike an ollie, you don't need to pop the tail hard. Instead, you scoop the board with your back foot and guide it with your front foot, making it spin smoothly. The trick is all about balance and coordination, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be adding it to your lines in no time.

The shove-it is a fundamental trick because it introduces you to the concept of board rotation. Once you’re comfortable with the shove-it, you can move on to more advanced variations like the pop shove-it (which involves a pop), the bigspin (a 360-degree shove-it with a body varial), and even kickflips and heelflips, which combine rotation with a vertical pop. Think of the shove-it as the training wheels for your board-spinning journey. It teaches you how to control the board’s movement beneath you, which is a crucial skill for any skater looking to progress. It’s also a fantastic trick for flat ground, skateparks, and even street skating, making it a versatile addition to your repertoire. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your trick list, the shove-it is a must-learn.

Getting Started: The Basics You Need to Know

Before you attempt a shove-it, make sure you have the basics down. This means being comfortable riding your skateboard, knowing how to push, and being able to balance while rolling. You don't need to be an expert, but having a solid foundation will make learning the shove-it much easier. First things first, let’s talk about your setup. You'll want to practice on a smooth, flat surface, like a parking lot or a skatepark. Avoid areas with cracks, rocks, or other obstacles that could cause you to lose balance. A clear, open space is ideal because it gives you room to roll and bail if needed. Safety is paramount, so consider wearing a helmet and pads, especially when you’re first starting out. Wrist guards and knee pads can save you from scrapes and bruises, giving you the confidence to try without fear of injury.

Next up, let’s discuss your stance. The shove-it stance is similar to your regular riding stance, but with a slight adjustment. Your front foot should be positioned just behind the front bolts, angled slightly towards the nose of the board. Your back foot is the key here: place it on the tail, with your toes hanging slightly off the edge. This positioning allows you to scoop the board effectively. Think of your back foot as the engine that drives the spin. Your front foot acts as a guide, helping to control the rotation and keep the board under you. Experiment with your foot placement to find what feels most comfortable and gives you the best control. Some skaters prefer a wider stance, while others like to keep their feet closer together. The key is to find a balance that allows you to scoop the tail and land with both feet on the board. Remember, the basics are the bedrock of all skateboarding tricks. Without them, it’s like trying to build a house on sand. So, take the time to master these fundamentals, and you’ll be setting yourself up for shove-it success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Nailing the Shove-it

Now for the fun part! Let’s break down the shove-it into simple, manageable steps. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t land it right away. Just keep at it, and you’ll get there.

1. Foot Placement

Start by positioning your feet correctly. Place your front foot just behind the front bolts, angled slightly. Your back foot should be on the tail, with your toes hanging slightly off the edge. This allows you to scoop the board effectively. Think of this stance as the launchpad for your trick. The angle of your front foot helps guide the board’s rotation, while your back foot is the engine that drives the spin. Make sure your weight is balanced, and you feel stable on the board. A good stance is the foundation of a good shove-it. If your feet are in the wrong place, it’s going to be much harder to control the board and land cleanly. Spend some time experimenting with your foot placement until it feels natural and gives you a sense of control.

2. The Scoop

The scoop is the heart of the shove-it. Bend your knees slightly and use your back foot to scoop the tail of the board backward. The motion should be a smooth, fluid movement, not a hard stomp. Imagine you’re using your back foot to brush away some dirt. The scoop is what initiates the 180-degree rotation of the board. The more controlled your scoop, the smoother your spin will be. Avoid scooping too hard, as this can cause the board to spin too fast and throw you off balance. The goal is a gentle, consistent scoop that allows the board to rotate evenly beneath you. This step is crucial for setting the board in motion, so practice scooping without even jumping at first to get the feel for the movement. Once you’ve mastered the scoop, you’re well on your way to landing your first shove-it.

3. The Jump

As you scoop the board, jump slightly into the air. You don't need to jump high like an ollie, just enough to clear the board as it spins. Think of it as a gentle hop, rather than a powerful leap. The key is to stay centered over the board as you jump. If you lean too far forward or backward, you’ll throw off your balance and make it harder to land. Focus on keeping your shoulders aligned with the board, and your weight evenly distributed. The jump should be timed perfectly with the scoop. As your back foot initiates the spin, your body should lift slightly off the board, allowing it to rotate freely beneath you. This step is all about finesse and coordination. The height of your jump doesn’t matter as much as the timing and balance. Practice jumping and scooping together to get the feel for the combined motion. Once you’ve synchronized your jump with your scoop, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

4. The Catch

While you’re in the air, let the board spin 180 degrees. As the board completes its rotation, use your feet to catch it. Aim to land with your feet over the bolts for maximum stability. The catch is where the magic happens. It’s the moment when you bring everything together and stick the landing. Focus on watching the board as it spins, and anticipate where it will be when it completes its rotation. As you come down, extend your feet and gently make contact with the board. Landing over the bolts is crucial because it distributes your weight evenly and prevents the board from slipping out from under you. If you land too far forward or backward, you’re more likely to lose balance and fall. The catch requires a combination of timing, precision, and balance. It’s the culmination of all the previous steps, so pay close attention to your body position and the board’s rotation. With practice, you’ll develop a sense of where the board will be, and you’ll be able to catch it consistently.

5. The Landing

Bend your knees as you land to absorb the impact. Ride away smoothly. Landing with bent knees acts as a shock absorber, cushioning your joints and preventing injury. It also helps you maintain your balance and control as you roll away. Think of your knees as springs, compressing as you land and then releasing as you ride away. A smooth landing is the perfect ending to a perfect shove-it. It’s the moment when you feel the satisfaction of sticking the trick and rolling away clean. Focus on keeping your weight centered over the board and your body relaxed. If you’re tense, you’re more likely to lose balance. Practice landing in a balanced, controlled position, and you’ll be able to ride away from your shove-its with confidence. Remember, the landing is just as important as the other steps, so give it the attention it deserves. With a solid landing, you’ll be able to string together tricks and develop your flow as a skater.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the best instructions, you might run into some snags. Here are some common shove-it mistakes and how to fix them:

  • Board not spinning 180 degrees: This usually means you’re not scooping hard enough or you’re not scooping in a smooth, fluid motion. Try exaggerating the scoop and focusing on a consistent movement.
  • Landing with only one foot on the board: This often happens when you’re not jumping high enough or you’re leaning too far in one direction. Focus on jumping high enough to clear the board and keeping your weight centered.
  • Board spinning too fast: You might be scooping too hard. Try a gentler scoop to control the speed of the rotation.
  • Board shooting out in front or behind you: This means your weight isn’t balanced. Make sure you’re centered over the board throughout the trick.
  • Not committing: Sometimes, the biggest hurdle is fear. Commit to the trick and go for it! The more you try, the more comfortable you’ll become.

Remember, every skater goes through a learning curve. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land it right away. Analyze your attempts, identify the problem areas, and adjust your technique. Skateboarding is all about trial and error, so keep practicing, and you’ll eventually nail it.

Tips for Consistent Shove-its

Consistency is key when it comes to skateboarding. Here are some tips to help you land shove-its consistently:

  • Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Aim to practice a little bit every day, even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes.
  • Film yourself: Filming yourself can help you identify mistakes you might not notice otherwise. Watch the footage and analyze your technique.
  • Break it down: If you’re struggling with a particular step, break it down into smaller parts and practice each part individually. For example, practice the scoop without jumping, then practice the jump and catch.
  • Visualize: Before you try the trick, visualize yourself landing it. This can help build confidence and improve your execution.
  • Skate with friends: Skating with friends can be motivating and fun. You can learn from each other and push each other to improve.

Taking Your Shove-its to the Next Level

Once you’ve mastered the basic shove-it, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few variations and tricks you can try next:

  • Pop Shove-it: This is a shove-it with a pop, similar to an ollie. It adds height and makes the trick look more stylish.
  • Frontside Shove-it: Instead of scooping backward, you scoop forward. It’s a different feel, but just as fun.
  • Bigspin: This is a 360-degree shove-it combined with a body varial (a 180-degree turn of your body).
  • Shove-it Reverts: Try doing a shove-it while riding fakie (backward) and reverting back to your normal stance.

The shove-it is a stepping stone to many other tricks, so the better you get at it, the more options you’ll have. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative. Skateboarding is all about self-expression, so find your own style and have fun with it!

Conclusion

So there you have it! You now have the knowledge and steps to learn how to shove-it on a skateboard. Remember, the key is practice, patience, and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land it right away. Every skater starts somewhere, and the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. The shove-it is a fundamental trick that will open up a whole new world of possibilities on your board. It’s a building block for more advanced tricks, and it’s a blast to perform. Whether you’re skating in your driveway, at the skatepark, or on the streets, the shove-it is a versatile trick that you can use in countless ways. So, grab your board, find a smooth spot, and start practicing. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be landing shove-its in no time. And who knows, maybe you’ll even invent your own variation one day! Now go out there, have fun, and keep skating! You’ve got this!