Frontside 50-50 Grind
The most fundamental of all grinding tricks.
A Frontside 50-50 Grind is when you lock both of your trucks onto a ledge or rail with your front side facing the obstacle, and slide along it. It's easier than the backside variation and the perfect entry point to grinding.
Ollie
🎯 Ready to grind?
This guide will show you how to properly approach at a slight angle, aim for the pinch point, and maintain your balance for a smooth grind.
👟 Foot Positioning
1. Front Foot Position
Position your front foot as you would for an ollie, ready to level out the board when you lock into the grind.
2. Back Foot Position
Your back foot should be on the tail, ready for a solid pop. Remember: aim with your back truck first, and your front truck will follow.
📈 Detailed 50-50 Grind Execution
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Approach
Approach the ledge or rail at a slight angle (not parallel). This is key—riding straight on is harder to lock in. Aim to approach frontside (your front side facing the obstacle) and have enough speed to carry you through the grind.
Pop and Turn
Pop your ollie and make a slight frontside turn (about 180 degrees worth of rotation, but not complete). Aim for your heels to pinch right between the wheel and the corner of the truck. This pinch point is your sweet spot.
Lock In
Once locked in, keep your knees bent and stay centered over the board. The key principle: aim with your back truck first, and your front truck will follow. This works for all grinds.
Maintain Balance
Stay as low as possible for as long as possible. The higher you stand up on the grind, the harder it will be to balance. Keep your knees bent throughout the entire grind.
Exit
You can either ride the grind to the end of the ledge or kick turn and pop off before the end. If you kick turn, use a subtle pop and pivot from your back truck, then land over the bolts in riding position.
Golden Tip!
The most important concept to master: aim with your back truck first, and your front truck will automatically follow. Start on a low ledge or curb (easier than a rail) and make sure the ledge is waxed—not too much, just enough to grind smoothly. The higher you stand during the grind, the harder it becomes to balance, so stay low!
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Approaching parallel instead of at a slight angle: This makes it much harder to lock in. Always approach at a slight angle.
Not aiming for the pinch point: Make sure your heels aim for the space between the wheel and the corner of the truck.
Standing up too high: This kills your balance. Stay low and bent throughout the grind.
Insufficient wax on the ledge: Not enough wax means you'll stick and won't slide smoothly.
Missing the ollie pop: Your back truck won't have enough pressure to lock in properly.
Master the 50-50 Grind with this tutorial:
Video Tutorial
Credits: CCS
Watch on YouTube →🏆 Congratulations! You made it to the end!
Now it's time to practice! Remember: consistency is the key to success.