Introduction
The pop shove-it is a key trick in skateboarding. It’s a step up from a shove-it, adding a pop that lifts the board off the ground. This motion makes it look cleaner and helps skaters learn control in the air. Mastering the pop shove-it skateboard trick builds confidence and prepares you for more advanced moves like the 360 pop shove-it and kickflip pop shove-it.
Unlike a regular shove-it, the pop shove-it uses a scoop and pop technique. This makes the board spin 180 degrees while rising into the air. Learning how to pop shove it improves board feel and sets the foundation for tricks like the frontside pop shove-it and fakie pop shove-it.
This guide will break it down step by step, making it easy for beginners to learn how to do a pop shove-it on a skateboard with the right technique.
Are you ready to dive? Then take your skateboard and let’s get started!
What You Need to Know Before Learning
Before you try a pop shove-it, make sure you have mastered these basic skills:
- Riding comfortably on your skateboard
- Ollie basics (optional but helpful)
- Shove-it (to understand board rotation)
How to Do a Pop Shove It (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Setup Your Feet
Start by setting your feet correctly. Your front foot should be angled slightly near the board’s middle. Your back foot goes on the tail with your toes hanging off the edge. This helps with the scoop motion. Keep your weight centered for balance.
- Place your front foot near the middle, angled slightly.
- Set your back foot on the tail, with toes hanging off.
- Keep your shoulders squared and stay relaxed.
- Balance your weight evenly to stay stable.
Step 2: Scoop and Pop
Use your back foot to scoop the tail backward. This motion makes the board spin 180 degrees. At the same time, pop the tail lightly. Don’t kick too hard. A smooth scoop is key.
- Scoop the tail backward with your toes.
- Pop lightly to lift the board off the ground.
- Avoid over-kicking, which can cause loss of control.
- Keep your front foot steady above the board.
Raleted Article: How to shove it on a skateboard!
Step 3: Keep Your Front Foot Hovering
As the board spins, keep your front foot above it. Don’t flick or kick the board. Just let it rotate under you. This keeps things controlled and helps you land properly.
- Keep your front foot hovering without flicking.
- Watch the board as it completes the spin.
- Stay relaxed and let gravity do the work.
- Prepare to catch the board when the rotation finishes.
Step 4: Catch and Land
Once the board completes the spin, guide it down with your front foot. Then, place your back foot down and bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact. Keep your weight centered to avoid slipping out.
- Use your front foot to stop the spin.
- Place your back foot down smoothly.
- Bend your knees to absorb impact.
- Keep your weight centered to stay balanced.
Extra Tips for Beginners
- Practice on a soft surface: Try on grass or carpet first to get comfortable.
- Commit to the trick: Many skaters fail because they hesitate. Trust yourself and go for it.
- Learn while moving: It’s easier to land when rolling slowly instead of standing still.
- Watch your shoulders: Keep them aligned with your board to stay balanced.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Kicking too hard: A small scoop is enough. Overpowering the trick makes it harder to control.
- Not staying over the board: Jump straight up, don’t lean too far forward or back.
- Missing the catch: Keep your eyes on the board and be ready to stop the spin with your front foot.
With practice, the pop shove-it will feel natural. Stick with it, and soon you’ll be adding variations like the frontside pop shove-it, fakie pop shove-it, or even the 360 pop shove-it to your trick list!
How to Land a Pop Shove It Consistently
Landing a pop shove-it every time takes control and commitment. Keep your weight centered and focus on catching the board with your front foot. Stay relaxed and bend your knees on impact. Practice on a smooth surface and commit to landing with both feet. The more you try, the better your balance and timing will get.
- Keep weight centered: Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
- Catch with your front foot: Stop the board’s spin before landing.
- Bend your knees: Absorb impact for a smooth landing.
- Stay relaxed: Tension can throw off your balance.
- Commit to landing: Hesitation often leads to bailing.
- Practice regularly: Repetition builds muscle memory.
Variations of the Pop Shove-It
Once you master the pop shove-it, try these variations to challenge yourself and expand your skills. Each variation adds a unique twist, helping you progress toward more advanced skateboard tricks.
180 Pop Shove It
A slight variation where the body turns along with the board while it spins 180 degrees. This trick requires good balance and coordination to land smoothly without losing control.
- Rotate your body 180 degrees while the board spins.
- Keep your shoulders aligned with the board’s movement.
- Spot your landing and stay centered.
- Bend your knees upon landing for stability.
360 Pop Shove It
The board spins 360 degrees in the air, requiring a stronger scoop motion and precise timing to catch and land the trick smoothly without under-rotating or losing balance.
- Scoop the tail harder to generate full rotation.
- Keep your front foot hovering above the board.
- Spot the grip tape and prepare to land.
- Absorb the impact by bending your knees.
Fakie Pop Shove It
This variation is performed while rolling fakie, meaning you move backward as you execute the trick. It feels different but helps improve board control and adaptability in motion.
- Ride in a fakie stance before popping.
- Scoop and rotate the board as usual.
- Stay light on your feet for better control.
- Keep balance when rolling away switch.
Frontside Pop Shove It
Instead of the board spinning backside, this version sends it frontside, making the motion feel different. It requires adjusting foot movement and staying centered over the deck.
- Scoop the tail forward instead of backward.
- Keep your shoulders open for control.
- Guide the board with your front foot.
- Catch and land smoothly to roll away.
- Late Pop Shove It
In this version, the scoop motion happens late, after popping into the air. It demands strong back-foot control and quick reflexes to time the shove correctly before landing.
- Pop straight up without scooping immediately.
- Scoop the board mid-air for a delayed spin.
- Stay patient and let the board rotate fully.
- Land evenly to prevent slipping out.
Taking Your Pop Shove-It to the Streets
After mastering how to pop shove it properly on flat ground, try these challenges:
- Pop shove-it off a curb.
- Pop shove-it over a small obstacle.
- Combining it with other tricks like a kickflip.
How do you pop shove-it for beginners?
Start slow, focus on foot placement, and practice the scoop motion before committing to the trick.
How do you pop shove-it higher?
Scoop harder and jump higher while keeping the board under control.
Is pop shove-it easier than a kickflip?
Yes, a pop shove-it is easier because it doesn’t require a flick like a kickflip.
What’s the difference between a shove-it and a pop shove-it?
A shove-it stays on the ground, while a pop shove-it lifts into the air due to the pop motion from the tail.
Why can’t I land a pop shove-it with both feet?
You might be jumping away from the board. Try keeping your weight centered and watching the board as it spins.
Final Thoughts
The pop shove-it is a must-learn skateboard trick. It improves board control and sets you up for advanced moves like the 360 pop shove it or kickflip pop shove-it. Focus on foot placement and balance for consistency.
Once you land it, try variations like the fakie pop shove-it or frontside pop shove-it. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the process—skateboarding is all about progress and fun!
By following these steps, you’ll know how to pop shove-it in no time. Keep practicing and have fun skating!
