Skateboarding Lessons: How to Bigspin!

Head skate coach Coyote Rob shows you step-by-step in today's trick tip tutorial!

Welcome, fellow skateboard enthusiasts and trick junkies, to the ultimate guide on how to conquer the elusive big spin. If you’ve ever wanted to leave your friends with their jaws on the ground and your skateboard spinning like a top, then buckle up. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of the big spin, complete with all the tips, tricks, and a sprinkle of humor to make your journey as fun as it is informative. Plus, we’ll show you how Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles can be your secret weapon in mastering this dazzling trick.

What is a Big Spin?

Let’s start by decoding this trick’s name—because if you’re like us, you probably didn’t get it from a fortune cookie. A big spin is like a pop shove-it and a 360-degree body spin had a love child. Specifically, it involves:

1. 360 Pop Shove-it: This is where you spin the board 360 degrees using your back foot while keeping the board level.

2. 180 Body Rotation: As your board spins, you also spin your body 180 degrees in the same direction.

In simpler terms, you’re getting the board to spin in one direction while you spin in another. Sounds like a party trick, right? Well, it kind of is, but one that requires practice, dedication, and maybe a few ibuprofen.

Prerequisites: Get Your Basics Down First

Before you start channeling your inner Tony Hawk, you need to have a solid foundation. Here are the prerequisites:

1. Ollie: The basic move where you pop the board off the ground. This is your bread and butter.

2. Shove-it: Spinning the board 180 degrees with a scoop of the tail.

3. 180s: Your body’s 180-degree rotation—think of it as a warm-up spin.

Master these, and you’ll be ready to tackle the big spin. If you’re still struggling with ollies, maybe stick with some simpler tricks first. After all, nobody wants to see a nosedive at the skate park.

Setting Up Your Skateboard for Success

Let’s talk gear. The right setup can make all the difference. Here’s what you need:

1. Deck Size: A deck that’s around 7.75” to 8.25” is ideal for street tricks. It’s a good balance between maneuverability and stability.

2. Grip Tape: Fresh grip tape is a must. It’s your board’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m ready for some action.”

3. Trucks: Ensure your trucks are adjusted to your liking. Not too tight, not too loose—think of it like a well-cooked steak.

4. Wheels: Go for wheels in the 50mm to 54mm range. They’re perfect for street skating and give you just the right amount of grip and slide.

Foot Placement and Body Position

Nailing the foot placement and body position is crucial. Here’s the scoop:

Foot Placement

1. Front Foot: Place it near the middle of the board, slightly angled. This foot will help initiate the scoop.

2. Back Foot: Position it on the tail of the board, with the toes hanging off a bit. This foot will do the heavy lifting, or rather, spinning.

Body Position

1. Shoulders: Keep them aligned with the board. You don’t want to look like a windmill on skates.

2. Knees: Bend them. You’re not on a high chair; you need to be low and ready.

3. Head: Look where you’re going to land, not at the pavement—trust us on this one.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Big Spin

Ready to get spinning? Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Setup and Approach

Start rolling at a comfortable speed. Too fast, and you’ll end up in the next county; too slow, and the board won’t spin properly. Find a smooth surface and get into position.

Step 2: Nollie Pop and Scoop

1. Nollie Pop: Use your front foot to pop the board off the ground. It’s like giving your board a little nudge to say, “Hey, let’s spin.”

2. Scoop the Board: As you pop, scoop the tail of the board around in a 360-degree spin. Your back foot should do most of the work here.

Step 3: Body Rotation

1. Spin Your Body: While the board is spinning, start rotating your body 180 degrees. Use your shoulders to guide the rotation. This is where your inner dancer comes out—just try not to look like you’re doing the cha-cha.

Step 4: Catch the Board

1. Spot the Board: Keep an eye on where the board is. You don’t want it to become a flying saucer that you lose track of.

2. Catch with Your Back Foot: As the board completes its spin, use your back foot to catch it. It’s like playing tag with your skateboard—catch it before it gets away!

Step 5: Land and Roll Away

1. Land with Both Feet: Bend your knees and prepare for the landing. Make sure both feet are over the bolts for maximum stability.

2. Roll Away Smoothly: Finish with style. Land, balance, and roll away as if you’ve just walked off a stage after a standing ovation.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even seasoned skaters run into issues with the big spin. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Problem 1: Incomplete Spin

Solution: Focus on your scoop. Make sure you’re giving the board enough spin. Practice the scoop motion separately if you need to.

Problem 2: Losing Control of the Board

Solution: Check your foot placement and body alignment. Keep your shoulders parallel to the board and ensure your scoop is directed properly.

Problem 3: Not Completing the Body Rotation

Solution: Practice your 180-degree body rotation separately. It’s all about getting comfortable with spinning your body in sync with the board.

Problem 4: Landing Off-Balance

Solution: Work on your balance by practicing on flat ground. Make sure you’re landing with both feet over the bolts and absorb the impact with bent knees.

How Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles Can Help

Mastering the big spin isn’t just about practice—it’s about getting the right guidance. That’s where Coyote Skate School comes in. We’re here to help you master this trick with expert skateboard lessons in Los Angeles.

Why Coyote Skate School?

1. Experienced Instructors: Our instructors have years of experience and are passionate about helping you reach your skateboarding goals. They’re like the Yoda of skateboarding—minus the green skin.

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

3. Supportive Environment: We provide a friendly and encouraging environment. At Coyote Skate School, you’ll feel like part of a skateboarding family rather than just another student.

4. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers everything from the basics to advanced tricks. We’ll help you with the big spin and other tricks you want to learn.

5. Convenient Locations: With our skate school located in Los Angeles, you can take advantage of beautiful spots like Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Who says learning can’t be fun and scenic?

Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons

1. Accelerated Learning: Our expert guidance helps you learn tricks more quickly and effectively. We provide valuable tips and techniques to accelerate your progress.

2. Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Our instructors provide personalized feedback to improve your skills.

3. Increased Confidence: As you master new tricks, your confidence will soar. We offer a supportive environment where you can take risks and push your limits.

4. Safety and Injury Prevention: Safety is our top priority. We teach proper techniques and emphasize the importance of protective gear to prevent injuries.

Practice Drills and Exercises

To get that big spin just right, incorporate these drills into your routine:

Shove-it Practice

Work on your shove-its to build confidence in the spinning aspect. Practice without the body rotation to focus on getting the board to spin properly.

Body Rotation Drills

Practice 180-degree body rotations separately. Work on syncing your body’s spin with the board’s motion.

Nollie Pop Exercises

Perfect your nollie pop on flat ground. Focus on getting the board to rise smoothly and level out.

Balance and Control Exercises

Practice ollies and basic flips to improve your balance and control. This will help you land the big spin with more consistency.

Embrace the Journey

Learning the big spin is an exciting and rewarding journey. It’s a challenge that will test your skills and push your limits. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and enjoy every moment of your skateboarding adventure. Whether you’re skating in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, the thrill of mastering new tricks and pushing your boundaries is what makes skateboarding so special.

With the right guidance from Coyote Skate School, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the big spin and expanding your skateboarding repertoire. Keep pushing your limits, exploring new tricks, and enjoying the incredible journey that skateboarding offers.

So, grab your skateboard, hit the pavement, and let’s get spinning! And remember, if you need expert help to perfect that big spin, Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles is here to make your skateboarding dreams come true. Keep rolling and stay rad!