Everyone has a thing.
Your name is Andie, and skateboarding is yours. In second grade, you stole your brother’s skateboard and learned to Ollie, so your dad bought you your own board.
In your last three competitions, you’ve placed first, second, and first again, and today, you’re hoping to add another medal to your collection to hang right next to your poster of the Empire Fish Face, a band that your mom sort of disapproves of.
Today, you’re meeting your best friend, Paige, who is the only local skater known to (sometimes) beat you in competition, and right now you’re headed to the closest skatepark to warm up before the competition. You love skating! You’re even doing it to celebrate your birthday, which just happens to be tomorrow.
As you drop your board on the ground and head toward the park, you run over the list of tricks in your head.
To warm up before the competition and to prepare for the tricks, follow these steps:
Step 1: Find an open space at the skatepark where you can practice your tricks without any obstacles or other skaters in your way.
Step 2: Start with some simple stretches to loosen up your muscles. Focus on stretching your legs, arms, and back to prevent any injuries during your warm-up session.
Step 3: Begin by rolling slowly on your skateboard and practicing your balance. Focus on keeping your weight centered and distributing it evenly between your feet.
Step 4: Start with some basic tricks like Ollies and Kickflips to get your muscles warmed up and to build up your confidence. Pay attention to your body positioning and foot placement during these tricks.
Step 5: Progress to more advanced tricks based on your skill level and comfort. Experiment with tricks like Pop Shuvits, Heelflips, and 180s. Remember to focus on your technique and stability.
Step 6: Practice riding transitions and ramps at the skatepark if available. This will help you get comfortable with different terrains and improve your ability to flow between tricks.
Step 7: Take breaks as needed and make sure to stay hydrated. Skating can be physically demanding, so it's important to listen to your body and rest when necessary.
Step 8: Finally, before the competition starts, take some time to visualize yourself performing your tricks flawlessly. Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation.
By following these steps, you'll be able to warm up effectively and be ready to perform your best during the competition. Good luck!
Kickflip, heelflip, 360 flip, varial kickflip, nollie flip, switch ollie, tre flip, backside flip, frontside flip, and the list goes on. You've been practicing these tricks tirelessly to perfect them for the competition.
As you arrive at the skatepark, the familiar sound of wheels rolling and the clattering of boards hitting ramps fills the air. You spot Paige skating near the halfpipe, effortlessly gliding through tricks with her signature style.
"Hey Andie, ready to shred?" Paige calls out, her enthusiasm contagious.
You can't help but smile, matching her excitement. "Absolutely, Paige! Let's show them what we've got!"
You quickly drop into the halfpipe, adrenaline rushing through your veins as you gain speed. Your body feels light as you launch off the ramp, effortlessly executing a clean kickflip, landing with a satisfying thud. The sound of your wheels against the concrete creates a rhythm that syncs with your heart rate.
Paige follows suit, showcasing her own impressive tricks, pushing you to push harder. The two of you feed off each other's energy, honing your skills with each trick and jump. The skatepark becomes a canvas, and your boards are the paintbrushes, leaving trails of skill and creativity behind.
Hours pass in a blur of laughter and friendly competition. You're both pushing the boundaries of what you thought was possible, challenging each other to try new tricks and combinations.
As the sun starts to set, casting an orange glow over the skatepark, you and Paige decide to call it a day. But not before one final trick.
You both position yourselves at opposite ends of the halfpipe, eyeing each other determinedly. With a nod, you both drop in simultaneously, launching into a synchronized routine of flips, spins, and grinds. The air is filled with the sound of boards hitting the ground and cheers from fellow skaters.
Finally, you both simultaneously execute a flawless 360 flip, landing with precision. The skatepark erupts in applause, recognizing the skill and dedication you and Paige have poured into your craft.
As you catch your breath and bask in the admiration, you can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Skateboarding is more than just a hobby for you—it's a way of expression, a form of freedom. And today, with the warmth of friendship and the thrill of competition, you've once again proven that skateboarding is your thing.
To compile a list of tricks in your head, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by recalling the tricks you already know. Think about the tricks you have practiced and successfully performed in previous competitions and skate sessions. This will give you a good foundation for your list.
2. Expand your list by thinking about variations and combinations of tricks. For example, if you know how to do an Ollie, you can also think about learning a Nollie (which is similar to an Ollie but performed while riding in the opposite direction) or combining the Ollie with a kickflip.
3. Consider learning new tricks. If you want to add more variety to your skateboarding repertoire, think about tricks you haven't tried before. You can do some research online or watch skateboarding videos to discover new tricks that interest you.
4. Prioritize your tricks. Some tricks may be more difficult or require more practice than others. It's helpful to prioritize your tricks based on your personal goals and abilities. Choose a few key tricks that you want to focus on perfecting for the competition or ones that you enjoy the most.
5. Visualize the tricks. As you run through your list, try to visualize each trick in your mind. Picture yourself performing the trick smoothly and landing it successfully. Visualization can help reinforce muscle memory and improve your performance on the skateboard.
Remember, skateboarding is all about having fun and expressing yourself. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, and enjoy the process of learning and mastering new tricks. Good luck in your competition and happy early birthday!