10 Must-Learn Snowboard Tricks for Every Rider

Introduction

Snowboarding is more than just gliding down the slopes—it's about adding style, creativity, and excitement to your ride. Whether you're a beginner looking to build confidence or an advanced rider aiming to refine your skills, learning essential snowboard tricks can take your riding to the next level. In this guide, we’ll cover 10 must-learn snowboard tricks that every rider should master, ranging from basic techniques to advanced moves. Get ready to impress on the mountain!

1. The Ollie (Basic)

The Ollie is the foundation of most snowboard tricks. It involves using your back foot to push off the tail of the board while jumping, allowing you to clear small obstacles or prepare for more advanced aerial tricks.

How to Perform an Ollie:

1. Bend your knees and keep your weight centered.
2. Shift pressure to your back foot and pop the tail of the snowboard off the ground.
3. Use your front foot to level out in the air.
4. Land with both feet evenly distributed for balance.

Practicing the Ollie is essential before attempting more complex jumps and spins.

2. The Nollie (Basic)

Similar to the Ollie, but using the front foot to pop off the nose of the board, the Nollie is a great way to vary your jumps and add flair to your riding.

Tips for a Perfect Nollie:

1. Shift your weight forward while keeping your knees bent.
2. Press down on the nose of the board to create lift.
3. Use your back foot to guide the landing smoothly.

3. The Tail Press & Nose Press (Basic)

A press is a trick where you balance on either the nose or tail of the snowboard while riding. This trick enhances board control and is a great way to develop balance.

How to Do It:

1. Lean back to press on the tail or shift forward for a nose press.
2. Engage your core and keep your knees slightly bent.
3. Hold the position while maintaining speed and stability.

4. The 50-50 Grind (Intermediate)

The 50-50 Grind is the first rail trick most riders learn. It involves riding straight onto a rail or box and sliding across while keeping the board flat.

Steps to Execute a 50-50:

1. Approach the rail with a steady speed.
2. Align your snowboard with the obstacle.
3. Keep your weight centered and maintain balance until the end.

5. The Frontside 180 & Backside 180 (Intermediate)

Learning 180-degree spins is a crucial step toward mastering aerial tricks.

• Frontside 180: Rotating forward-facing in the air.
• Backside 180: Rotating backward-facing in the air.

How to Perform a 180:

1. Approach with a slight edge and bend your knees.
2. Use your shoulders to initiate the spin.
3. Spot your landing and keep the board flat upon landing.

6. The Butter Tricks (Intermediate)

Butter tricks involve shifting weight between the nose and tail of the board while adding spins and stylish movements.

How to Start Buttering:

1. Begin with a Tail Butter by pressing on the back foot.
2. Try a Nose Butter by shifting weight forward.
3. Combine spins and turns to add creativity.

7. The Shifty (Intermediate)

A Shifty is an air trick where the snowboard twists mid-air before returning to its original position.

Key Steps:

1. Jump with a slight edge.
2. Rotate the board slightly in the air while keeping your upper body stable.
3. Snap back to neutral before landing.

8. The Frontside & Backside 360 (Advanced)

The 360 spin is an extension of the 180 and requires more airtime and precision.

How to Land a 360:

1. Generate speed before takeoff.
2. Wind up your shoulders for momentum.
3. Spot the landing while keeping knees bent.

9. The Method Grab (Advanced)

The Method Grab is one of the most stylish tricks, involving a grab of the board while arching your body in the air.

How to Do a Method Grab:

1. Jump with a strong pop.
2. Grab the edge of the board with your back hand.
3. Extend your legs while pulling the board up.

10. The Backflip (or Wildcat) (Advanced)

The Backflip is a dream trick for many snowboarders. While advanced, it's achievable with proper technique and practice.

Steps to a Safe Backflip:

1. Start on a small jump before attempting larger ones.
2. Commit to the rotation and use your shoulders to initiate the flip.
3. Tuck your knees and spot the landing.

How to Practice Snowboard Tricks Safely

• Always Wear Protective Gear: Helmets, wrist guards, and pads prevent injuries.
• Choose the Right Terrain: Start on smaller features before attempting larger obstacles.
• Practice Progressively: Master the basics before moving on to advanced tricks.

Using Matace Snowboard Training Mat for Year-Round Practice

Snowboarding isn’t just a winter sport—you can practice snowboard tricks year-round using the Matace Snowboard Training Mat. This tool allows riders to refine their balance, spins, and jumps without needing snow.

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 tricks indoors or outdoors.
• Easy Setup: Interlocking tiles make it simple to assemble and adjust the size.
• Durable & Safe: Made with wear-resistant PE material for long-lasting use.

With a Matace Snowboard Training Mat, you can keep your skills sharp and progress even when the snow is gone.

Conclusion

Mastering snowboard tricks is about patience, practice, and progression. Whether you're working on your first Ollie or attempting a Backflip, consistency is key. Take your skills further by training year-round with tools like the Matace Snowboard Training Mat and keep pushing your limits. Now, hit the slopes and start landing those tricks!