Are you holding a small skateboard in your hand, wondering how to make it jump, spin, or slide? Many people pick up a Tech Deck, which is a miniature fingerboard, and quickly want to learn how to make it do cool things. It's a very common desire to move beyond just rolling it around. To do a Tech Deck trick, you perform a series of precise actions with your fingers. This is very much like how the word "do" means to bring something to pass, to take some action, or to carry out an activity or task. You are, in essence, making the tiny board perform.

This guide will show you how to get started with your Tech Deck. We will go over the first moves you should learn, and then some more advanced ones. You'll get practical advice on finger placement and timing. You will also learn how to practice for the best results, so you can really get good at this fun hobby. It is, you know, a rewarding way to spend some time.

Getting good at Tech Deck tricks takes a little bit of time and effort, but it is really rewarding. With some simple steps and regular practice, you will be surprising yourself with what your fingers can make that tiny board accomplish. So, let's get your fingers ready for some action and find out how to do Tech Deck tricks today.

Table of Contents

• Getting Ready to Play
  • Your Tech Deck and Your Hands
  • Setting Up Your Space
• The Basic Moves
  • The Ollie: Your First Big Jump
  • The Kickflip: A Classic Spin
  • The Heelflip: Another Spin Option
• More Fun Tricks to Try
  • The Pop Shuvit: A Board Rotation
  • The Grind: Sliding on Rails
  • The Manual: Balancing on Two Wheels
• Tips for Getting Better
  • Practice Makes Perfect
  • Watching Others Play
  • Being Patient
• Frequently Asked Questions About Tech Deck Tricks

Getting Ready to Play

Before you try to do any fancy moves, it is a good idea to make sure you have everything set up right. This will make learning much smoother. You want to feel comfortable and have a good grip on your board, too it's almost like preparing for any activity where you need to perform well.

Your Tech Deck and Your Hands

First, get your Tech Deck ready. Make sure the wheels spin freely and the grip tape on top is not worn out. Your fingers are the key here, so make sure they are clean and not sticky. You typically use your middle finger on the tail, which is the back part, and your index finger near the front bolts. This setup gives you control, and you need that to really do anything with the board.

Hold the board gently but firmly. You do not want to squeeze it too hard, but you also do not want it to slip away. The goal is to have a natural feel, so you can move your fingers easily. This initial grip is pretty much the foundation for all the tricks you will learn, as a matter of fact.

Setting Up Your Space

Find a flat, smooth surface to practice on. A desk, a table, or even a smooth floor works well. You need enough room to move your hand freely without bumping into things. A small, clear area is much better than a cluttered one. You can find more ideas on setting up your Tech Deck play area.

Some people like to use a small obstacle, like a book or a pencil, to jump over once they get the hang of basic moves. For now, just focus on a clear, open space. This helps you concentrate on your finger movements. It is, you know, about creating the right conditions for learning.

The Basic Moves

These are the first tricks everyone learns. Getting these down will open up a whole world of possibilities for your Tech Deck play. They are the core actions you will do again and again. These are, basically, the ABCs of fingerboarding.

The Ollie: Your First Big Jump

The ollie is the most important trick. It is how your board gets into the air. To do this, place your middle finger on the tail and your index finger behind the front bolts. Push down on the tail with your middle finger, so the tail hits the ground. This is often called "popping" the board.

Right after you pop, slide your index finger up the board towards the nose, which is the front. This motion levels out the board in the air. As your index finger slides, lift your middle finger a bit. The timing here is important, you know, for getting the board to rise.

As the board reaches its highest point, bring both fingers back down to land it. Try to land with your fingers over the bolts for balance. It takes some practice to get the timing just right. You might not get it on the first try, or even the tenth, but keep trying. It is a fundamental action, after all.

Remember, the goal is to get the board to jump off the ground smoothly. Keep your hand moving with the board as it goes up and down. This helps with control, and it really makes a difference. You want the board to stick to your fingers as it goes up, like your fingers are doing the work of a magnet.

The Kickflip: A Classic Spin

Once you have the ollie down, the kickflip is often the next step. This trick makes the board spin along its long axis while it is in the air. Start with your fingers in the ollie position. Perform the ollie motion, popping the tail and sliding your index finger up.

As your index finger slides up, instead of just leveling the board, flick it off the side of the board near the nose. You want to flick it slightly outwards and upwards. This flick is what makes the board spin. The timing of this flick is quite precise, too it's almost like a little dance for your fingers.

Let the board complete one full rotation in the air. As it spins, get your fingers ready to catch it. You want to catch it when the grip tape is facing up again. Then, bring your fingers down to land the board smoothly. This can be a bit tricky at first, so just keep practicing the flicking motion.

It helps to keep your hand over the board during the spin. This way, you are ready to catch it when it comes around. The kickflip is a very satisfying trick to land, and it looks really cool. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when you do it consistently, in a way.

The Heelflip: Another Spin Option

The heelflip is similar to the kickflip, but the board spins in the opposite direction. Your finger placement is slightly different for this one. Place your middle finger on the tail, and your index finger closer to the edge of the board, near the heel side. This is, you know, the side where your heel would be on a real skateboard.

Start with an ollie motion. As your index finger slides up the board, flick it off the other side of the nose, the "heel" side. This will make the board spin in the opposite direction from a kickflip. It is a subtle change in flicking action, but it makes all the difference.

Just like with the kickflip, let the board spin one full rotation. Then, catch it with your fingers and land it. Some people find the heelflip easier than the kickflip, and some find it harder. It really depends on your finger mechanics. Just keep trying both to see which one feels more natural for you, honestly.

Both the kickflip and heelflip involve a similar action of getting the board airborne and then making it rotate. They are like two sides of the same coin, and learning one often helps with the other. You will be able to do both with enough effort, you know.

More Fun Tricks to Try

Once you have the basics down, you can start combining moves or trying tricks that involve different types of board movement. These will make your Tech Deck play even more exciting. It is about expanding your repertoire, so to speak.

The Pop Shuvit: A Board Rotation

The pop shuvit makes the board spin horizontally, without flipping over. Place your middle finger on the tail and your index finger in the middle of the board. Pop the tail down with your middle finger, just like an ollie. But this time, instead of sliding your index finger up the board, scoop the tail backward with your middle finger.

This scooping motion makes the board rotate underneath your fingers. Your index finger mostly stays above the board, guiding it. You want the board to spin about 180 degrees. This is a very cool trick because the board stays flat, just spinning around, you know.

As the board completes its spin, catch it with both fingers and land it. This trick does not involve as much height as an ollie or flip, but it requires good control of the board's rotation. Practice the scooping motion until the board spins consistently. It is a different kind of action compared to the flips.

The Grind: Sliding on Rails

To do a grind, you need an obstacle, like a small rail or the edge of a book. The idea is to ollie onto the obstacle and slide along it on your trucks, which are the axles that hold the wheels. Start by rolling your Tech Deck towards the obstacle.

As you get close, perform an ollie. Aim to land your trucks on the edge of the obstacle. You want to balance the board on the trucks as you slide. Keep your fingers steady and follow the board's movement along the obstacle. This takes some precise aiming, pretty much.

When you reach the end of the obstacle, or when you are ready to come off, lift your fingers slightly to pop off the rail and land cleanly. Grinds can be very satisfying to do, and they add a lot of style to your Tech Deck play. There are many types of grinds, but this basic one is a good start.

It is all about timing your ollie and your landing on the obstacle. Do not get discouraged if you miss the rail a few times. It is a common thing, you know, to have to adjust your aim. Practice makes your aim better, and that really helps.

The Manual: Balancing on Two Wheels

A manual is when you balance on your back two wheels, keeping the front wheels in the air. This is a trick that shows off your balance and control. Place your middle finger on the tail and your index finger near the middle of the board. Roll your Tech Deck forward.

Gently press down on the tail with your middle finger, just enough to lift the front wheels off the ground. You do not want to pop the tail like an ollie, just lift it. Your index finger will help you keep balance over the board. This is, you know, a very subtle movement.

Maintain this balance as you roll forward. It is like riding a real skateboard on its back wheels. Try to hold the manual for as long as you can. When you are ready to stop, gently lower the front wheels back down. This trick improves your overall board control, honestly.

The manual is less about big movements and more about fine-tuning your finger pressure. It helps you get a better feel for the board's weight and balance. It is a good trick to practice often, as it helps with many other moves, you know, by improving your general control.

Tips for Getting Better

Learning Tech Deck tricks is a journey, and there are ways to make that journey more fun and effective. These tips can help you improve faster and enjoy the process. It is about consistent effort, you know, like any skill you want to acquire.

Practice Makes Perfect

The more you practice, the better you will get. Spend a little time each day working on the tricks you want to learn. Short, regular practice sessions are often better than one long session once a week. Your fingers will build muscle memory, and the movements will become more natural. This is pretty much the most important advice for anything.

Do not be afraid to try tricks over and over again. Every attempt, even if it is not perfect, helps you learn. Think of each try as a step closer to getting it right. It is like how students who do well at school often put in consistent effort, you know, over time.

Watching Others Play

Watching videos of other people doing Tech Deck tricks can be very helpful. You can see how their fingers move and how they time their actions. There are many videos online that show how to do tech deck tricks. Look for slow-motion videos if you can find them. This gives you a clear view of the finger movements, and that really helps.

You can also learn a lot from watching friends who are good at it. Sometimes seeing it in person makes it click. Pay attention to their finger placement and the force they use. Learn more about fingerboard fun on our site.

Being Patient

Learning new tricks can be a bit frustrating at times. Some tricks might seem impossible at first. It is important to be patient with yourself. Everyone learns at their own pace. Do not get discouraged if you do not get a trick right away. Just keep trying, and you will improve. It is, you know, a process that takes time.

Celebrate your small victories. When you land an ollie a little higher, or a kickflip a little cleaner, recognize that progress. This helps keep your motivation up. Remember, the goal is to have fun while you are doing it. That is, arguably, the most important part.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tech Deck Tricks

How long does it take to learn Tech Deck tricks?

It depends on the person, really. Some people pick up the basic ollie in a few minutes, while for others it might take a few days of practice. More complex tricks can take weeks or even months to master consistently. It is a lot like learning any new physical skill, you know, some things come quicker than others.

What is the hardest Tech Deck trick to do?

The idea of the "hardest" trick can change from person to person. Generally, tricks that involve multiple spins, complex grinds, or very precise landings are seen as more difficult. For instance, a 360 flip or a laser flip, which combine a shuvit with a kickflip, are often considered quite challenging. It often involves a lot of coordination, too it's almost like a little puzzle.

Can you use a Tech Deck like a real skateboard?

No, you cannot use a Tech Deck like a real skateboard. Tech Decks are miniature fingerboards designed for use with your fingers. They are meant for performing tricks on small surfaces, not for riding with your feet. They are a scaled-down toy, so they do not have the same structure or strength as a full-sized board. They are for your hands, not your feet, in a way.