Tailslide

Difficulty Level: IntermediateTail

Sliding on the Tail of Your Board

A Tailslide is the counterpart to the Noseslide. The skateboarder slides along a ledge or rail on the tail of their board, with the board perpendicular to the obstacle.

Skateboarder performing a Tailslide
Prerequisite:

Ollie, Frontside 180, Backside 180

🎯 Master the Tail

The Tailslide is a fundamental slide trick that opens the door to many other variations. It is a stylish way to handle ledges and feels incredibly satisfying to land.

👟 Foot Positioning

1. Front Foot Position

Your front foot should be near the front bolts to help level out the board and guide it.


2. Back Foot Position

Your back foot should be firmly on the tail, ready to pop and to control the slide.

📈 Detailed Tailslide Execution

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1

Approach

Ride towards the ledge at a slight angle (almost parallel). Speed is important for a smooth slide.

2

Ollie and Turn

Ollie up and turn 90 degrees (frontside or backside), aiming to land with the middle of your tail on the edge of the ledge.

3

Lock and Slide

Land on the tail and immediately put your weight on it to start sliding. Keep your body centered over the tail and use your arms to balance.

4

Exit and Land

When you reach the end of the ledge, turn your shoulders and hips back to their normal stance, pushing off the tail to land cleanly on all four wheels.

💡

Golden Tip!

Commitment is key. You need to put enough weight on the tail to slide, but not so much that the board slips out behind you. Find that sweet spot.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

⚠️

Board slipping out behind you: This means you are leaning too far forward. Keep your weight over the back foot.

⚠️

Not getting the full 90-degree turn: Practice the motion on flat ground first. Your shoulders lead the way.

⚠️

Sticking to the ledge: Wax the ledge generously and approach with more speed.

This tutorial will guide you through the Tailslide:

Video Tutorial

Credits: Skateboarding Made Simple

Watch on YouTube

🏆 Congratulations! You made it to the end!

Now it's time to practice! Remember: consistency is the key to success.