To successfully backside feeble a rail, you need to combine precise timing, proper body positioning, and a clear focus on where your wheels and trucks will land. The key to locking into this grind is to aim and lock your heelside wheel directly on top of the rail, while your back truck grinds along the side.
Mastering the Backside Feeble Grind
The backside feeble grind is a foundational trick in skateboarding that involves sliding along an obstacle with your back truck on the rail and your front (heelside) wheel resting on top. It requires a good ollie and a solid understanding of balance.
Understanding the Mechanics
A backside feeble involves:
- Back Truck: Grinding on the side of the rail, facing away from your body.
- Heelside Wheel: Resting on top of the rail, providing a pivot point and stability.
- Body Position: Centered over the rail, with shoulders aligned parallel to the obstacle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Backside Feeble
Executing a backside feeble can be broken down into several crucial stages:
1. The Approach
- Speed: Approach the rail with a comfortable, consistent speed that allows you to clear the obstacle without overshooting or falling short. Too slow, and you won't have the momentum; too fast, and you might lose control.
- Angle: Position yourself at a slight angle to the rail, typically between 15 and 30 degrees. This angle helps you get your back truck into the grind position.
2. The Pop and Ollie
- Ollie Height: Pop an ollie with enough height to get your entire board above the rail. This is crucial for clearing the obstacle and getting into the correct lock-in position.
- Timing: Time your ollie so that the peak of your jump aligns with the beginning of the rail.
3. The Lock-In
- Heelside Wheel Focus: As you're in the air, your biggest key to locking into backside feeble grinds is aiming to lock your heelside wheel directly on top of the rail. This provides the primary point of contact and stability.
- Back Truck Alignment: As your heelside wheel lands on top, allow your back truck to naturally fall into position, grinding on the side of the rail. Your deck should be slightly angled, with the nose higher than the tail.
- Shoulder Alignment: Keep your shoulders aligned parallel to the rail. Your head should be looking forward, down the length of the rail.
4. The Grind
- Balance: Maintain your balance by keeping your weight centered over the rail. You might need to make small adjustments with your knees and feet. Many skaters find leaning slightly back into the grind helps maintain control.
- Smoothness: Try to keep the grind as smooth as possible. Avoid choppy movements that could cause you to slip off.
5. The Exit
- Ollie Off: When you're ready to exit the grind (either at the end of the rail or whenever you choose), shift your weight slightly, and pop off the rail as if you're doing a small ollie.
- Land Cleanly: Land with your feet over the bolts, absorbing the impact with your knees, and roll away smoothly.
Key Tips for Success
- Start Small: Begin practicing on low, mellow ledges or curbs before attempting higher rails. This helps build confidence and muscle memory.
- Wax the Rail: A little skateboard wax on the rail can help reduce friction, making the grind smoother and easier to maintain. Be mindful not to over-wax.
- Practice Ollieing Onto Obstacles: Master getting your board onto obstacles accurately at various speeds and angles.
- Focus on the Front Wheel: Remember the critical step of aiming your heelside wheel on top of the rail. This is what sets the feeble apart from other grinds.
- Watch and Learn: Observing other skaters perform backside feeples can provide visual cues and help you understand the flow of the trick. Skateboarding tutorials can also be invaluable resources.
Common Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not locking the heelside wheel | Consciously aim your front foot and heelside wheel to land directly on top of the rail. |
| Slipping off prematurely | Ensure your shoulders are aligned; focus on keeping your weight centered over the rail. |
| Too much or too little speed | Experiment with different approach speeds on a less intimidating obstacle. |
| Failing to get on top | Improve your ollie height and precision. Practice ollieing onto curbs or low boxes. |
| Losing balance during grind | Engage your core, keep your eyes focused on the end of the rail, and make subtle balance adjustments with your body. |
By breaking down the trick and focusing on these elements, you can systematically improve your backside feeble grinds. Consistency and practice are your best allies in mastering this stylish grind.
