Mastering the 360 on a longboard involves rotating yourself and the board a full circle, a dynamic trick that looks impressive and adds flair to your riding. This maneuver typically falls into two main categories: the pivot 360 and the slide 360, each requiring distinct techniques.
How to 360 on a Longboard?
Performing a 360 on a longboard primarily involves a combination of precise foot placement, shoulder rotation, and a well-timed pivot or slide to spin the board a full 360 degrees under your feet. The pivot 360 is an excellent starting point for most riders.
Understanding the Pivot 360
The pivot 360 is a fundamental freestyle trick where the board spins on its axis, usually on one set of wheels, while your body turns with it. It's less about speed and more about balance and coordination.
Key Steps for a Pivot 360
Follow these steps to execute a successful longboard pivot 360:
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Warm-up and Safety First:
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and slide gloves.
- Practice on a flat, open area away from traffic and obstacles.
- Start with smaller pivots (90 or 180 degrees) to build confidence.
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Stance and Foot Placement:
- Begin riding at a comfortable, moderate speed.
- Your back foot should be positioned around the middle of the board, slightly over the back trucks but not directly on the tail. This gives you leverage to pivot.
- Your front foot should be firmly planted, providing stability and controlling the pivot point, usually near the front trucks.
- Maintain a balanced, slightly crouched stance, ready to shift your weight.
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Initiating the Turn – The Wind-Up:
- Start to move your shoulders in the direction you want to spin (e.g., if you want to turn clockwise, rotate your shoulders to the right). This is crucial for building momentum and guiding your body.
- Simultaneously, look over your leading shoulder in the direction of the spin.
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Executing the Pivot – The Throw:
- As your shoulders rotate, you need to do the backside pivot. This means applying pressure to your back foot, lifting the front wheels slightly off the ground (or minimizing their contact) as you throw your body and board into the full rotation.
- Use the momentum generated by your shoulders and hips to spin the board. Your back foot acts as the pivot point, while your front foot guides and controls the spin.
- Keep your knees bent and core engaged throughout the rotation for better balance.
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Completing the Spin and Landing:
- Continue the rotation until you have completed the full 360 degrees.
- As you approach the end of the spin, bring your shoulders back to a neutral position over the board.
- Land smoothly with both feet firmly on the board, distributing your weight evenly, and continue riding.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not enough rotation | Emphasize a stronger shoulder wind-up and "throw" your body more forcefully into the spin. |
| Losing balance | Keep your knees bent, look where you want to go, and practice smaller pivots first to build stability. |
| Board sticking/not pivoting | Ensure your back foot is correctly placed and apply enough pressure to lift or lighten the front wheels. |
| Catching an edge | Shift your weight more centrally over the board during the pivot, avoiding leaning too far back or forward. |
| Feet slipping off | Ensure good grip tape on your board and wear appropriate skateboarding shoes. |
Beyond the Pivot: The Slide 360
For those looking for a more advanced challenge, the slide 360 involves breaking traction with all four wheels and sliding the board a full 360 degrees. This trick requires more speed, confidence, and comfort with slides. It typically involves:
- Higher Speed: You need sufficient speed to overcome traction.
- Carve and Setup: Initiate a carve to load the trucks, then quickly reverse the direction of your body to break traction.
- Weight Distribution: Shift your weight to the heels or toes, depending on whether it's a heelside or toeside slide, to initiate the slide.
- Pivoting the Board: Use your hips and shoulders to continue the board's rotation through the full 360-degree slide.
- Hooking Up: Re-engage traction by shifting weight back over the board and turning your head and shoulders to the direction of travel.
Practicing stand-up slides and 180-degree slides is essential before attempting a full slide 360. For further guidance on slide techniques, consider exploring detailed tutorials from reputable longboarding channels and instructors.
By focusing on proper foot placement, initiating with your shoulders, and confidently "throwing" your body into the rotation, you'll be well on your way to mastering the longboard 360. Practice consistently, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!
