top of page
  • Writer's pictureWill Ermish

Skateboard Lessons: How to 360 Pop Shove It

Head skateboard coach Coyote Rob gives us another lesson in today's video tutorial!

Welcome to the world of skateboarding, where tricks are your language, and landing them is your art. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most exhilarating tricks you can perform—a trick so cool it’ll make your friends think you’ve mastered the art of skateboard wizardry: the 360 pop shove-it. Not only will this trick make you look rad, but it’ll also elevate your skateboarding skills to a whole new level. So, grab your board and let’s get ready to spin, flip, and roll into the realm of skateboarding greatness!

What is a 360 Pop Shove-It?

Before we get rolling, let’s break down what a 360 pop shove-it actually is. Imagine a pop shove-it that took a spin class and decided to go for a full 360-degree rotation. That’s right—the 360 pop shove-it involves spinning the skateboard 360 degrees horizontally while you, the skater, stay as calm as a cucumber (or at least try to). Your back foot is the star of the show, pushing the board into a spin, while your front foot and body help keep everything in check.

Key Components of the 360 Pop Shove-It

  1. Pop: This is the act of snapping the tail of your skateboard down to lift the board off the ground.

  2. Shove-It: The motion that spins the board horizontally.

  3. 360 Degrees of Rotation: The board does a full spin while you maintain control.

  4. Timing and Coordination: Synchronizing your pop, spin, and body movements to land smoothly.

Prerequisites: Building Your Skateboarding Foundation

Before you attempt the 360 pop shove-it, make sure you’ve mastered the basics. Think of these as the stepping stones to your trick masterpiece:

  1. Ollie: The granddaddy of all tricks, where you lift the board off the ground by popping the tail with your back foot.

  2. Shove-It: The foundation of the 360 pop shove-it. Master this first to understand the board’s spinning motion.

  3. Pop Shove-It: This is a shove-it with a pop, laying the groundwork for a full 360 spin.

  4. Backside 180: A good backside 180 will help you with the body rotation needed for the 360 pop shove-it.

These tricks will build your confidence and give you the skills needed to spin like a pro.

Preparing Your Skateboard Setup

Having the right skateboard setup is essential for nailing that 360 pop shove-it. Let’s talk gear:

  1. Deck Size: Choose a medium-sized deck (7.75" to 8.25") for a good balance of control and stability. You don’t need a board that feels like a boat or one that’s as small as a skateboard toy.

  2. Grip Tape: Fresh grip tape is crucial. A worn grip tape is like trying to do a dance routine on ice—slippery and prone to accidents.

  3. Trucks: Ensure your trucks are adjusted to a comfortable tightness. Loose trucks can make your board wobble like a jelly, while overly tight trucks can restrict your movements.

  4. Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are ideal for street skating and learning tricks. You don’t want wheels that roll slower than a snail or faster than a rocket.

Foot Placement and Body Position

Proper foot placement and body positioning are essential to performing the 360 pop shove-it like a boss. Here’s how to get it right:

Foot Placement

  1. Front Foot: Position your front foot near the middle of the board, angled slightly towards the nose. This position helps in guiding the board and controlling the flick.

  2. Back Foot: Place your back foot on the tail, angled so that your toes are pointing slightly towards the heel edge. This setup will allow you to get a solid pop and scoop.

Body Position

  1. Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board. Think of them as the GPS guiding your spin.

  2. Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and spin. Straightening your legs mid-spin is like trying to balance on a unicycle—it won’t end well.

  3. Head: Look straight ahead and stay focused on the board. Avoid the urge to look away; your board will follow your eyes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a 360 Pop Shove-It

Step 1: Setup and Approach

Start by riding at a comfortable speed. Find a flat, smooth surface to practice on. Speed is important, but don’t go so fast that you end up launching into the stratosphere.

Step 2: Pop the Tail

  1. Snap the Tail: Use your back foot to snap the tail of the skateboard down firmly. This action will initiate the board’s upward motion and set it up for the spin.

Step 3: Scoop and Spin

  1. Scoop with the Back Foot: As you pop the tail, use your back foot to scoop the board in a 360-degree rotation. This motion will cause the board to spin horizontally.

  2. Guide the Spin: Use your front foot to guide the board’s rotation and keep it controlled. You don’t want your board spinning like a top on caffeine.

Step 4: Rotate Your Body

  1. Body Rotation: As the board spins, start rotating your body 180 degrees. Your shoulders and hips should lead this rotation.

  2. Stay Aligned: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board and your head focused on the board’s motion. A little wobble can throw off the entire trick.

Step 5: Catch the Board

  1. Spot the Board: As the board completes its spin, keep your eyes on it. Spotting the board is crucial for catching it.

  2. Catch with Your Feet: Aim to catch the board with your feet once the spin is complete. Your back foot will usually do the catching.

Step 6: Land and Roll Away

  1. Land with Both Feet: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and make sure both feet are over the bolts for stability. Landing like a superhero will give you that extra cool factor.

  2. Roll Away Smoothly: Maintain your balance and ride away smoothly. Celebrate your successful trick with a fist pump or a victory dance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common problems you might face while learning the 360 pop shove-it, and how to tackle them:

Problem 1: Incomplete Spin

Solution: If the board isn’t spinning 360 degrees, check your scoop technique. Ensure you’re applying enough force with your back foot and giving the board a full spin. Practice the scoop motion separately if needed.

Problem 2: Board Flipping Out of Control

Solution: Make sure your foot placement is correct and your body alignment is in sync with the board. Keep your shoulders parallel to the board and guide the spin with your front foot.

Problem 3: Losing Control During the Spin

Solution: Work on maintaining your balance and focus during the spin. Practice rotating your body and controlling the board’s movement simultaneously.

Problem 4: Landing Off-Balance

Solution: Focus on landing with your feet over the bolts and bending your knees to absorb the impact. Practice balancing exercises to improve your landing stability.

How Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles Can Help

Mastering a trick like the 360 pop shove-it can be challenging, and having expert guidance can make all the difference. That’s where Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles comes in. Our professional instructors are here to help you master this trick and many more with personalized skateboard lessons.

Why Choose Coyote Skate School?

  1. Experienced Instructors: Our instructors are seasoned skaters with a passion for teaching. They’ll provide you with the tips, tricks, and techniques needed to nail that 360 pop shove-it.

  2. Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons designed to fit your skill level and learning style. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skater, we’ve got you covered.

  3. Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate School, we create a fun and supportive environment where you can learn, practice, and progress at your own pace.

  4. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers a wide range of tricks and skills, including the 360 pop shove-it. We provide structured lessons to help you achieve your skateboarding goals.

  5. Convenient Locations: Located in the heart of Los Angeles, our skate school offers lessons at convenient locations such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons

  1. Accelerated Learning: With expert guidance, you’ll learn tricks more quickly and effectively. Our instructors provide valuable feedback and insights to help you improve your skills.

  2. Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Personalized feedback will help you develop a solid foundation for performing tricks.

  3. Increased Confidence: As you progress and master new tricks, your confidence on the board will grow. We provide a safe and encouraging environment for you to push your limits and reach your full potential.

  4. 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 safe skateboarding habits.

Practice Drills and Exercises

To improve your 360 pop shove-it consistency and confidence, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:

Scoop and Pop Practice

Practice scooping and popping the board while stationary. Focus on the motion and timing required for the trick.

Back Foot Technique

Work on your back foot technique by performing pop shove-its and scoop drills. This will help you develop the muscle memory needed for a clean 360 spin.

Body Rotation Exercises

Perform backside 180s and full rotations to build confidence in your body rotation. Practice these movements to enhance your control and timing.

Balance and Landing Drills

Practice landing on the bolts and maintaining balance. Perform ollies and nollies to improve your landing technique and stability.

Embrace the Challenge

Learning the 360 pop shove-it is an exciting journey that requires dedication, practice, and a sense of humor. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and celebrate your progress along the way. With the right guidance and a lot of practice, you’ll be spinning and grinning in no time.

By following this comprehensive guide and seeking expert instruction from Coyote Skate School, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the 360 pop shove-it and expanding your skateboarding skills. Whether you’re skating in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, keep pushing your limits and enjoying the thrill of skateboarding. Remember, every attempt is a step closer to nailing that perfect 360 pop shove-it and rolling away with style.

Comentários


bottom of page