Making a big spin in skateboarding involves a simultaneous 360-degree pop shuvit of the board combined with a 180-degree body rotation by the rider. This creates an impressive, fluid motion that looks like the board spins twice as much as your body.
What is a Big Spin?
A big spin is a technical skateboard trick that blends two fundamental movements: a pop shuvit and a body rotation. The most common variation is the backside big spin, where the board performs a 360-degree shuvit (spinning away from your toes) while your body rotates 180 degrees in the backside direction (shoulders turning to face where your back was). The result is a total 540-degree rotation relative to your original direction, with the board spinning 360 and your body 180.
Prerequisites for Learning a Big Spin
Before attempting a big spin, it's essential to have a solid grasp of the following foundational tricks:
- Ollie: The ability to get off the ground with your board.
- Pop Shuvit: Consistently performing 180-degree pop shuvits, both frontside and backside.
- 180-degree Ollies: Comfortable with backside and frontside 180s.
How to Do a Backside Big Spin: Step-by-Step
Mastering the big spin requires practice and coordination. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
1. Foot Placement
Correct foot placement is crucial for initiating both the pop shuvit and the body rotation.
- Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail, similar to a pop shuvit, with your toes slightly hanging off the edge to maximize scoop potential.
- Front Foot: Place your front foot behind the front bolts, angled slightly, ready to guide the board's rotation.
2. The Pop and Shove-It
This is where the board's 360-degree spin begins.
- Pop the Tail: Pop the tail down firmly, similar to an ollie.
- Scoop Motion: As you pop, use your back foot to scoop the tail sharply backward, initiating the 360-degree shuvit spin. Simultaneously, your front foot should lift off the board, ready to catch it later.
3. Initiate Body Rotation
As the board begins to spin, your body needs to start its 180-degree rotation.
- Shoulder Turn: As you pop, pre-rotate your shoulders slightly in the backside direction (turning them towards your heels). This rotation initiates the 180-degree body pivot.
- Look Over Shoulder: Keep your eyes focused on the board as it spins beneath you, looking over your leading shoulder to spot your landing.
4. Mastering the Combined Flow
The most challenging part of the big spin is synchronizing the board's 360-degree shuvit with your body's 180-degree turn. As your board performs its full 360-degree shove-it spin, your body is rotating 180 degrees. To truly feel the motion of the backside big spin, focus on the moment when your board finishes its 360 spin beneath you. As it completes this rotation, you should aim to momentarily guide the board, almost landing your front foot on the board's nose as it comes around, before you fully complete your body's 180-degree turn. This helps you maintain control and align your body with the board for a smooth landing. It's this precise timing and tactile feedback that helps you get accustomed to the trick's unique combined movement.
5. Catch and Land
After the board completes its 360-degree shuvit and your body finishes its 180-degree rotation, it's time to land.
- Catch the Board: Extend your feet to catch the board over the bolts as your body finishes its 180-degree turn.
- Absorb Impact: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and ride away smoothly in your switch stance.
Backside Big Spin Checklist
| Step | Key Action | Focus Point |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Placement | Tail for scoop, front foot behind bolts | Stable, balanced starting position |
| Pop & Shove-It | Firm pop, sharp scoop with back foot | Get the board spinning 360 degrees |
| Body Rotation | Pre-rotate shoulders, look over leading shoulder | Initiate 180-degree body turn |
| Combined Flow | Synchronize board's 360 with body's 180 | Feel the board's rotation, aim to contact the nose as it spins |
| Catch & Land | Land over bolts, bend knees | Absorb impact, ride away clean |
Tips for Success
- Commitment is Key: Half-hearted attempts often lead to bailing. Commit fully to the rotation and the landing.
- Practice Components: If you're struggling, go back and practice consistent 360 shuvits and backside 180s separately.
- Spot Your Landing: Keep your eyes on the board throughout the entire rotation. Spotting helps you orient yourself and land accurately.
- Scoop and Jump High: A good, strong scoop and a decent jump height give the board enough time to rotate fully beneath you.
- Stay Centered: Try to keep your body centered over the board throughout the trick. Leaning too much in any direction can throw you off balance.
- Relax: A stiff body hinders natural movement. Stay loose and let your body flow with the trick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient Scoop: Not scooping hard enough will result in an under-rotated board (e.g., only a 180 or 270 shuvit).
- Over-rotation or Under-rotation of Body: Your body turning more or less than 180 degrees will make it difficult to land squarely on the board.
- Not Looking: If you don't spot your landing, you're more likely to land off-balance or miss the board entirely.
- Stiff Legs: Landing with stiff legs can lead to instability or falling. Always bend your knees to absorb the impact.
- Lack of Synchronization: The board and body must rotate together. If one is too fast or slow, the trick won't work.
With consistent practice and attention to these steps, you'll be landing big spins in no time!
