10 Essential Snowboard Grabs Every Rider Should Know

Introduction

Adding snowboard grabs to your riding not only makes your jumps look stylish but also improves stability and control in the air. Whether you're just starting to explore freestyle snowboarding or looking to refine your grabs, learning the right techniques can take your skills to the next level. In this guide, we’ll break down 10 must-learn grabs of snowboard, ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced tricks, so you can elevate your riding and land with confidence.

1. Indy Grab (Basic)

The Indy Grab is one of the first grabs every snowboarder should learn. It involves using your back hand to grab the toe-side edge of the board between your feet while in the air.

How to Perform an Indy Grab:

1. Pop off the jump and tuck your knees toward your chest.
2. Use your back hand to grab the toe-side edge of the board.
3. Hold for a moment, then release and extend your legs before landing.

The Indy Grab is simple yet stylish, making it a great confidence booster for beginners.

2. Mute Grab (Basic)

The Mute Grab is similar to the Indy Grab but uses the front hand instead.

Tips for a Perfect Mute Grab:

1. Bend your knees as you leave the jump.
2. Reach down with your front hand to grab the toe-side edge.
3. Hold for stability and release before landing.

The Mute Grab adds flair to your jumps and is a stepping stone to more advanced grabs.

3. Tail Grab (Basic)

The Tail Grab is all about reaching back and grabbing the tail of your board with your back hand.

How to Do It:

1. Jump and pull your back leg up.
2. Use your back hand to grab the tail of your snowboard.
3. Stretch your front leg out for extra style before releasing the grab.

The Tail Grab helps improve flexibility and control while looking great in photos.

4. Nose Grab (Basic)

The Nose Grab is the opposite of the Tail Grab, requiring you to reach forward and grab the nose of your board with your front hand.

Steps to Execute a Nose Grab:

1. Jump and pull your front leg up.
2. Grab the nose of your board with your front hand.
3. Extend your back leg for style before landing.

This grab is a fantastic way to improve air awareness and add variation to your tricks.

5. Stalefish Grab (Intermediate)

The Stalefish Grab is a cool and stylish grab where you use your back hand to grab the heel-side edge of your board behind your back foot.

Key Steps:

1. Jump and pull your knees up.
2. Reach down with your back hand and grab the heel-side edge.
3. Hold the grab, then extend your legs before landing.

The Stalefish Grab is great for boosting control in mid-air.

6. Melon Grab (Intermediate)

The Melon Grab is another essential grab, using your front hand to grab the heel-side edge of your board in front of your front foot.

How to Master a Melon Grab:

1. Pop off the jump and bend your knees.
2. Reach down with your front hand and grab the heel-side edge.
3. Extend your back leg for extra style and hold the grab.

This grab adds a smooth, stylish element to any jump.

7. Japan Grab (Intermediate)

The Japan Grab is a stylish trick where you grab the toe-side edge with your front hand, while tucking your back knee for a compact look.

Tips for a Perfect Japan Grab:

1. Pop off the jump and bring your knees up.
2. Use your front hand to grab the toe-side edge between your bindings.
3. Pull your back knee toward your chest to enhance the look of the trick.

This grab is widely used in freestyle snowboarding and looks impressive in the air.

8. Method Grab (Advanced)

The Method Grab is one of the most iconic grabs of snowboard, adding style and grace to big air tricks.

How to Perform a Method Grab:

1. Pop high off the jump and grab the heel-side edge with your front hand.
2. Arch your back and kick your back leg out for an extended pose.
3. Hold the grab, then bring your legs back together before landing.

Mastering the Method Grab will make you look like a pro on the slopes.

9. Seatbelt Grab (Advanced)

The Seatbelt Grab is a challenging trick that requires grabbing the tail of your board with your front hand, crossing your body in the process.

Steps to Nail a Seatbelt Grab:

1. Jump and pull your knees up.
2. Reach across your body with your front hand and grab the tail of your snowboard.
3. Hold for a moment before releasing and preparing for landing.

This trick takes time to master but adds a unique flair to your riding style.

10. Rocket Air Grab (Advanced)

The Rocket Air Grab involves grabbing both the nose and tail of your board at the same time, creating a rocket-like pose in the air.

How to Execute a Rocket Air Grab:

1. Jump and bring your legs up toward your chest.
2. Grab the nose with your front hand and the tail with your back hand.
3. Extend your legs outward to create the rocket-like shape.
4. Hold the grab for style and release before landing.

This is a visually stunning grab that requires flexibility and balance.

How to Improve Your Grabs Skill of Snowboard

• Increase Flexibility: Stretching helps improve reach and grab consistency.
• Use Proper Timing: Grab as soon as you leave the jump for maximum control.
• Watch the Pros: Studying professional snowboarders helps refine technique and style.

Using Matace Snowboard Training Mat for Year-Round Practice

Snowboarding is a seasonal sport, but you can keep your grabs skill of snowboard sharp year-round with the Matace Snowboard Training Mat.

Why Choose Matace Snowboard Training Mat?

• Realistic Snow Feel: The Brush-Hollow surface mimics real snow for smooth transitions.
• At-Home Training: Perfect for practicing jumps, grabs, and balance indoors or outdoors.
• Easy Setup: Interlocking tiles make assembly quick and customizable.
• Durable & Safe: Designed to withstand countless practice sessions.

With a Matace Snowboard Training Mat, you can practice technique and improve board control even when the snow is gone.

Conclusion

Adding snowboard grabs to your tricks not only makes you look more stylish but also improves aerial control and confidence. Whether you’re just starting with an Indy Grab or pushing your limits with a Rocket Air, consistent practice is key. Keep training all year with tools like the Matace Snowboard Training Mat and refine your skills for the slopes. Now, grab that board and start soaring!