Mastering the 50-50 Grind
The 50-50 grind is a classic street skateboarding trick where you slide along a ledge or rail with both trucks grinding evenly. It’s a foundational grind that opens the door to variations like the 5-0 or nosegrind. Perfect for urban sessions, it builds on your ollie skills and adds style to your street game. Though it takes balance and precision, the 50-50 is achievable with practice.
Use our guide and the Skate Tricks app for slow-motion tutorials to lock in your 50-50 grind like a pro!
How to 50-50 Grind: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Follow these steps to land a 50-50 grind. Start on a low, waxed ledge or curb in a skatepark or street spot, and wear a helmet and pads. Being comfortable with ollies and basic tricks is key.
- Approach the Ledge: Skate toward the ledge at a slight angle (about 15–30 degrees) with enough speed to clear the jump. Keep your knees bent and eyes on the ledge’s edge.
- Ollie Up: As you near the ledge, pop an ollie, aiming to land both trucks on the ledge. Snap your back foot on the tail and guide the board upward with your front foot.
- Land on Both Trucks: Position the board so both trucks (axles) hit the ledge evenly. Lean slightly forward to stay balanced, keeping your weight centered over the board.
- Slide and Grind: Let the trucks slide along the ledge, maintaining balance with your knees bent and shoulders aligned with the ledge’s path. Wax the ledge beforehand for a smoother grind.
- Exit the Grind: As you near the end of the ledge, pop off with a slight ollie motion or lift the board to dismount. Land with both feet over the bolts, knees bent, and roll away cleanly.
Tips for Success:
- Practice locking into the grind position on a curb to feel the truck placement.
- Apply skate wax to the ledge for smoother slides (use sparingly).
- Check out the Skate Tricks app’s video guides to perfect your approach angle and balance.
Ready to grind it out? Download the Skate Tricks app for detailed tutorials and level up your street skating!