How to Backside Smith Grind | Online Skate Coach

Pasadena skateboarding coach Coyote Rob teaches us in today's trick tip video!

A backside smith grind is a skateboarding trick that involves riding along a rail or edge while grinding on the back trucks of your skateboard. It is a intermediate-level trick that requires good balance, control, and confidence on your skateboard. If you're ready to learn how to do a backside smith grind, here are the steps you should follow.

Step 1: Find a suitable rail or edge to grind on

Before you can start practicing your backside smith grind, you'll need to find a suitable rail or edge to grind on. This can be anything from a handrail at a skate park to a curb or ledge in the street. The rail or edge should be smooth and relatively low to the ground, as you'll need to be able to reach it with your back trucks while riding. It should also be wide enough to accommodate your skateboard, as you'll need plenty of space to grind along it.

Step 2: Approach the rail or edge at the right angle

Once you've found a suitable rail or edge to grind on, it's time to approach it in the right way. The key to a successful backside smith grind is to approach the rail or edge at the right angle. If you approach the rail or edge too straight on, you'll end up sliding off of it. If you approach the rail or edge too steeply, you'll lose your balance and fall off of your skateboard. The ideal approach angle is around 45 degrees, which will allow you to easily slide onto the rail or edge and maintain your balance.

Step 3: Pop your tail and turn your skateboard

As you approach the rail or edge, you'll need to pop your tail and turn your skateboard around so that the back trucks are facing the rail or edge. This is known as a "backside" approach, as you're approaching the rail or edge from the back of your skateboard. To do this, bend your back knee slightly and pop the tail of your skateboard off of the ground. As the tail comes up, turn your skateboard around so that the back trucks are facing the rail or edge. You should be riding backwards as you do this, so make sure you have good balance and control.

Step 4: Slide onto the rail or edge

Once you've turned your skateboard around and the back trucks are facing the rail or edge, it's time to slide onto it. To do this, you'll need to push off with your back foot and slide your back trucks onto the rail or edge. As you slide onto the rail or edge, you should be leaning backwards slightly to help keep your balance. You may also want to shift your weight onto your back trucks to help them grip the rail or edge better.

Step 5: Grind along the rail or edge

As you slide onto the rail or edge, you'll want to keep your back trucks grinding along it. This is where the backside smith grind gets its name, as you're grinding on the back trucks in a "smith" position (with your feet together and your knees bent). To keep your back trucks grinding along the rail or edge, you'll need to maintain your balance and control. You may need to adjust your weight or lean slightly to keep your back trucks in contact with the rail or edge. You should also keep your arms out for balance, as this will help you stay upright and prevent you from falling off of your skateboard.

Step 6: Land and ride away

When you're ready to end your backside smith grind, you'll need to land and ride away smoothly. To do this, simply let your back trucks slide off of the rail or edge