Smith Grind Skateboard Trick: A Comprehensive Guide

Backside smith grind skateboard trick

The pop shuvit is a foundational skateboarding trick that every aspiring skater should have in their arsenal. It’s a visually appealing maneuver where the board spins 180 degrees beneath your feet while you remain relatively stationary. Alongside the pop shuvit, the smith grind skateboard trick is another essential move to master for a well-rounded skill set. While it might seem intimidating at first, with the right guidance and practice, you’ll be popping shuvits and nailing smith grinds like a pro in no time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, offer valuable tips from seasoned skaters, and answer frequently asked questions to help you conquer these classic tricks.

Understanding the Smith Grind

Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand what sets the Smith grind apart. Unlike other grinds where both trucks are on the grinding surface, the Smith grind involves only the back truck, making it inherently less stable. This unique characteristic demands a higher degree of precision and control. The front truck hovers over the obstacle, requiring the skater to maintain balance and prevent the board from slipping.

The Smith grind is a versatile trick that can be performed on various obstacles, including ledges, rails, and even curbs. Its versatility and stylish execution have made it a favorite among skateboarders of all skill levels. Mastering the Smith grind not only expands your trick arsenal but also elevates your overall skateboarding prowess.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Smith Grind

1. The Setup:

  • Find a suitable obstacle: Start with a low, wide ledge or curb to get comfortable with the balance and mechanics.
  • Approach: Roll up to the obstacle at a moderate speed with your feet in the ollie position – back foot on the tail and front foot slightly angled just behind the front bolts.
  • Body positioning: Maintain a centered stance with your weight slightly shifted towards your back foot. Keep your knees bent and your core engaged for stability.

2. The Ollie:

  • Pop: As you approach the obstacle, execute a controlled ollie, ensuring you clear the edge comfortably.
  • Level out: While in the air, level the board and position it parallel to the obstacle.
  • Spot your landing: Focus your eyes on the point where you want your back truck to land on the grinding surface.

3. The Grind:

  • Land the back truck: Gently land the back truck on the grinding surface, ensuring it’s centered and stable.
  • Hang the front truck: Allow the front truck to hang over the edge of the obstacle.
  • Maintain balance: Keep your weight centered and use subtle adjustments of your body and feet to maintain balance.

4. The Exit:

  • Ollie out: When ready to exit the grind, shift your weight slightly forward and pop a small ollie to lift the back truck off the obstacle.
  • Ride away clean: Land smoothly and continue rolling away with confidence.

Tips for Mastering the Smith Grind

  • Start small: Begin practicing on low obstacles and gradually progress to higher ones as you gain confidence.
  • Focus on balance: Maintaining balance is crucial. Keep your core engaged and use your arms for counterbalance.
  • Practice rolling away: A clean exit is essential. Practice rolling away smoothly after completing the grind.
  • Visualize the trick: Before attempting the Smith grind, visualize the entire sequence in your mind. This mental rehearsal can significantly improve your execution.
  • Don’t be afraid to fall: Falling is part of the learning process. Wear protective gear and don’t let fear hold you back.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

How to Backside Smith Grind: 4-Step Vert Trick Guide - 2025

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  • Landing too hard: Avoid slamming your back truck onto the obstacle. Land with control and finesse.
  • Leaning too far forward: Leaning too far forward can cause the board to slip out from under you.
  • Not committing: Hesitation can lead to imbalance and unsuccessful attempts. Commit to the trick with confidence.
  • Looking down: Keep your eyes focused on the point where you want to land and the direction you want to go.

Reviews: Skateboard Decks Ideal for Smith Grinds

Choosing the right skateboard deck can significantly impact your performance, especially when learning new tricks like the Smith grind. Here are three highly-rated decks that are well-suited for this purpose:

1. Element Seal Skateboard Deck:

  • Features: This deck is known for its durability and pop, thanks to Element’s Featherlight construction. It offers a comfortable concave and a responsive feel, making it ideal for both street and park skating.
  • Why it’s good for Smith Grinds: The deck’s durability can withstand the impact of landing grinds, while its pop helps with ollieing into and out of the trick.
  • Review: “This deck is amazing! It’s super poppy and feels great under my feet. I’ve been landing Smith grinds more consistently since I switched to this board.” – John S.

2. Girl Skateboards Malto OG Skateboard Deck:

  • Features: This deck boasts a classic popsicle shape with a mellow concave, providing a stable platform for landing tricks. Its construction ensures durability and longevity.
  • Why it’s good for Smith Grinds: The stable platform and mellow concave offer excellent control and balance, which are crucial for Smith grinds.
  • Review: “This is my go-to deck for street skating. It’s solid, responsive, and the graphic is sick. I highly recommend it.” – Sarah M.

3. Almost Skateboards Mullen Uber Light Skateboard Deck:

  • Features: This deck is incredibly lightweight and durable, thanks to Almost’s Impact Support technology. It features a medium concave and a responsive flex, making it suitable for various skating styles.
  • Why it’s good for Smith Grinds: The lightweight construction allows for easier maneuverability, while the Impact Support technology enhances durability for repeated grind attempts.
  • Review: “This deck is a game-changer! It’s so light and poppy, it feels like I can ollie over anything. I’ve been progressing so much faster since I started riding this board.” – David L.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a Smith grind and a Feeble grind?

While both tricks involve grinding on the back truck, the key difference lies in the board’s orientation. In a Smith grind, the board is positioned perpendicular to the obstacle, while in a Feeble grind, the board is parallel to the obstacle.

2. Is the Smith grind a difficult trick to learn?

The Smith grind requires a good foundation in basic skateboarding skills, including ollies and board control. While it may take some time and practice to master, it’s definitely achievable with dedication and perseverance.

3. What are some good tips for overcoming the fear of falling?

Start by practicing on low obstacles and gradually progress to higher ones. Wear protective gear and visualize yourself successfully completing the trick. Remember, falling is part of the learning process.

4. What are some variations of the Smith grind?

Once you’ve mastered the basic Smith grind, you can explore variations like the Crooked grind, Overcrook grind, and Suski grind. These variations involve different board angles and rotations, adding complexity and style to your skateboarding.

5. How can I improve my balance while grinding?

Focus on keeping your core engaged and your weight centered. Use your arms for counterbalance and make subtle adjustments with your feet to maintain stability. Practice on different surfaces and obstacles to challenge your balance and improve your overall board control.

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Conclusion

The Smith grind is a challenging yet rewarding trick that can elevate your skateboarding to new heights. By following the step-by-step guide, incorporating the helpful tips, and choosing the right equipment, you can confidently approach this iconic maneuver. Remember, practice makes perfect. Embrace the learning process, overcome your fears, and enjoy the thrill of mastering the Smith grind.

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