The opposite of a crooked grind in skateboarding is a smith grind. These two fundamental grind tricks are often considered inverse reflections of each other due to the contrasting positions of the skateboarder's trucks on the obstacle.
Understanding Grind Tricks
Skateboarding grinds involve sliding on the trucks of the skateboard along an edge, rail, or coping. Each grind trick requires precise balance, approach, and execution, making them a cornerstone of street and park skateboarding. The "opposite" in this context refers to the mirror-image body and board position relative to the obstacle.
The Crooked Grind
A crooked grind, also known as a "k-grind," is a stylish and technical grind trick. To execute a crooked grind, the skater performs an ollie onto a rail or ledge, then grinds primarily on the front truck. The key characteristic is that the nose of the board and the front truck are locked onto the obstacle, while the tail of the board remains off the obstacle at an approximate 45-degree angle. This creates a distinctive, angular look and requires significant control over the board's balance point.
- Key Characteristics:
- Grinds on the front truck.
- Nose of the board is aligned with the obstacle.
- Tail of the board hangs off the obstacle at an angle.
- Often perceived as an aggressive, forward-leaning grind.
Learn more about performing a crooked grind from sources like Skateboarding.com. (Note: This is a placeholder for a real link to a reputable skateboarding site if one exists, otherwise a general tutorial site.)
The Smith Grind: The Counterpart
The smith grind stands as the direct opposite of the crooked grind. In a smith grind, the skater ollies onto the obstacle, but instead grinds on the back truck. Crucially, the front truck hangs off the obstacle, usually positioned just above or beside it. The body and board lean slightly back, with the tail of the board aligned with the obstacle, similar to a 50-50 grind's back truck position, but with the front truck lifted and suspended.
- Key Characteristics:
- Grinds on the back truck.
- Tail of the board is aligned with the obstacle.
- Front truck hangs off the obstacle.
- Often viewed as a more "backwards" or "dragging" grind compared to the crooked.
For a visual guide on smith grinds, consider searching for tutorials from established skate brands or professional skateboarders.
Key Differences Between Crooked and Smith Grinds
The distinction between these two tricks lies primarily in which truck bears the weight and which end of the board is oriented towards or away from the obstacle.
| Feature | Crooked Grind | Smith Grind |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding Truck | Front Truck | Back Truck |
| Board Position | Nose on obstacle, Tail off at angle | Tail on obstacle, Front Truck off |
| Body Lean | Slightly forward, over the nose | Slightly backward, over the tail |
| Visual Aesthetic | Sharp, angular, forward-driving | Sweeping, dragging, tail-dominant |
| Primary Balance | On front half of the board | On back half of the board |
Mastering Grind Variations
Understanding the nuances between tricks like the crooked grind and smith grind is essential for developing a diverse skillset in skateboarding. Each grind requires a unique approach to balance, speed, and commitment.
- Practice Fundamentals: Ensure a solid ollie and basic grinds like 50-50s and 5-0s before attempting more complex variations.
- Balance is Key: Focus on maintaining your center of gravity directly over the grinding truck while keeping the non-grinding truck's position stable.
- Approach Angle: Experiment with different approach angles to find what feels most comfortable for locking into each grind.
- Commitment: Grinds require full commitment. Hesitation can often lead to bailing or falling.
- Waxing: A little skate wax on the obstacle can help reduce friction and make learning grinds smoother, especially on rougher surfaces.
Both crooked and smith grinds are highly regarded tricks that demonstrate a skater's technical ability and board control. Learning to differentiate and execute them effectively will significantly expand your skateboarding repertoire.
