Skateboarding 101: How To Drop In with Ease
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One of the most intimidating tricks for beginner skateboarders is dropping in on a ramp. The thought of throwing yourself down a ramp can be terrifying, especially for those with a fear of heights. However, with the right technique and a bit of practice, dropping in can become a conquerable feat. In this article and video, pro skateboarder Amelia Brodka provides step-by-step instructions on how to drop in on a skateboard confidently.
Step 1: Start with the Fakie Tail Stall
The first step to mastering the drop-in is to get comfortable with the motion of pressing your wheels down and leaning forward. To do this, practice the fakie tail stall. Follow these steps:
Stand on the ramp's flat bottom and pump the ramp a few times to gain some momentum.
Learn to tap the tail of your skateboard lightly on the ramp's surface while maintaining control.
This step helps your body get familiar with the motion and build confidence in preparing for the actual drop-in.
Step 2: Positioning and Stance
Now that you have practiced the fakie tail stall and feel more at ease with the motion, it's time to position yourself for the drop-in. Here's how:
Place your skateboard's tail on the coping (the curved lip at the top of the ramp).
Position your back foot on the edge of the tail, ensuring that your toes do not hang off. Let your heel hang off the edge if needed.
Keep your front foot parallel to your back foot, not at a 45-degree angle as you would when pushing.
Make sure your front foot is placed on the skateboard's front bolts for stability.
Step 3: Commit to the Drop-In
Dropping in requires commitment and confidence. To avoid hesitations, it's crucial to perform the drop-in in one fluid motion. Follow these steps:
Stand at the top of the ramp and take a moment to mentally prepare yourself.
As you count to three (or take a deep breath), lift your front foot off the deck and shift your weight forward.
Push down hard with your front foot, as if you're squashing a bug on your board, and lean your body forward.
Trust the motion and lean further forward than you think is necessary. Remember, your front wheels have to cover a significant distance to reach the ramp's surface.
Keep your weight centered over the board and avoid leaning too far back, as this can cause you to lose balance.
Step 4: Start with a Bank (Optional)
If you're still building confidence, it's helpful to start with a bank instead of a quarter pipe. A bank provides a gentler slope, making it easier to practice the drop-in technique. Follow these tips:
Begin at the bottom of the bank and practice slamming your tail down while maintaining control.
Gradually move your way up the bank, practicing the motion until you feel comfortable.
Remember, this technique is only recommended for banks without coping, not quarter pipes.
Step 5: Trust Yourself and Gradually Progress
As you gain confidence and feel more comfortable with the drop-in, it's time to move up to the quarter pipe. Follow these tips:
Place your tail on the coping and your back foot on the edge of the tail, just as you practiced earlier.
Commit fully to the drop-in, knowing that your body has already learned the necessary motions.
Avoid hesitation and trust in your abilities. The more you commit, the smoother the drop-in will be.
Learning how to drop in on a skateboard might initially feel like a daunting challenge, especially if you have a fear of heights. However, by starting with the fakie tail stall and gradually progressing to the drop-in, you can build confidence and overcome any discomfort you may have. Remember to trust the process and commit fully to the drop-in motion. With practice and determination, you'll soon conquer this essential skateboarding trick.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start dropping in on a skateboard?
To start dropping in on a skateboard, begin by getting comfortable with the motion by practicing the fakie tail stall. Pump the ramp a few times to gain momentum and lightly tap the tail of your skateboard on the ramp's surface. This helps your body get familiar with the motion and builds confidence for the actual drop-in.
What's the correct stance for dropping in on a skateboard?
When dropping in on a skateboard, position your back foot on the edge of the tail, ensuring your toes do not hang off. Your front foot should be placed parallel to your back foot, not at a 45-degree angle like when pushing. Keep your front foot on the skateboard's front bolts for stability.
How can I overcome fear while dropping in on a skateboard?
Overcoming fear while dropping in on a skateboard takes practice and commitment. Trust the process and focus on performing the drop-in in one fluid motion. Count to three, lift your front foot off the deck, push down hard with your front foot, and lean your body forward. Remember, it's better to lean forward more than not enough to ensure a smooth drop-in.
Should I start dropping in on a bank or a quarter pipe?
If you're a beginner or building confidence, it's helpful to start dropping in on a bank rather than a quarter pipe. Banks provide a gentler slope, making it easier to practice the drop-in technique. Begin at the bottom of the bank and gradually work your way up, practicing the motion until you feel comfortable.
How do I avoid hesitation while dropping in on a skateboard?
To avoid hesitation during the drop-in, commit fully to the motion in one fluid movement. Take a moment to mentally prepare, then lift your front foot off the deck and push down hard with your front foot as you lean forward. Trust yourself and avoid leaning too far back, as this can cause balance issues.
Any tips for mastering the drop-in technique?
Mastering the drop-in technique requires practice and determination. Start with the fakie tail stall to build confidence. Focus on maintaining control and proper positioning while dropping in. Trust the process and commit fully to the motion without hesitation. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it until you feel comfortable and confident with the drop-in.
What if I'm afraid of heights? How can I overcome this fear while skateboarding?
If you're afraid of heights, dropping in on a skateboard can be especially challenging. Take it step by step and gradually work your way up from smaller ramps or banks. Building confidence through practice will help you overcome your fear of heights. Remember, it's a process, so be patient with yourself and celebrate every progress you make.
How long does it take to learn how to drop in on a skateboard?
The time it takes to learn how to drop in on a skateboard varies from person to person. It depends on individual skill levels, fear levels, and the amount of practice you put in. With consistent practice and determination, many skateboarders master the drop-in technique within a few weeks. However, remember that progress is unique to each individual, so don't rush and keep practicing until you feel comfortable.
Can I drop in on any skateboard ramp?
While dropping in can be done on various skateboard ramps, it's recommended to start with a bank rather than a quarter pipe, especially for beginners. Banks offer a gentler slope and provide an easier platform to practice the drop-in technique. As you gain confidence and skill, you can progress to dropping in on steeper and more challenging ramps.
Related: How To Ollie: A Step-by-Step Guide
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