Master these 5 sneaky snowboarding tricks to shred like a pro this season
Master These 5 Sneaky Snowboarding Tricks to Shred Like a Pro This Season
Winter is here, and the snow-covered slopes are calling your name. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up or an intermediate rider eager to impress, mastering a few sneaky but effective snowboarding tricks can take your riding to the next level. These tricks aren’t just for show, they’ll help you gain confidence, control, and style while shredding like a pro.
In this guide, we’ll break down five underrated but powerful snowboarding tricks that will make you stand out on the mountain. From basic progression moves to slightly more advanced maneuvers, these tricks will help you ride smoother, jump higher, and land cleaner than ever before.
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Why These Tricks Matter
Before diving into the moves, let’s talk about why these tricks are worth mastering:
- Improved Balance & Control , Many of these tricks reinforce your edge control, which translates to better turns and stability.
- Smoother Transitions , They help you flow between tricks and terrain without losing momentum.
- Boosted Confidence , Landing these moves will make you feel like a true shredder, encouraging you to push further.
- Versatility , These tricks work on pipes, jumps, kickers, and even natural terrain, making them useful in any park or mountain setting.
- Style Points , Nothing impresses the crowd (or your riding buddies) like a clean, sneaky trick that looks effortless.
Now, let’s get into the five sneaky snowboarding tricks that will elevate your game this season.
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1. The Fake Frontside 180 (The Ultimate Setup Trick)
One of the most versatile and underrated tricks in snowboarding is the fake frontside 180. It’s not just a trick, it’s a game-changer for your approach to jumps and rails.
Why It’s Sneaky
- Most riders focus on big spins, but mastering the fake makes you unpredictable.
- It’s a perfect setup for frontside 180s, boardslides, and even grabs.
- Helps you read jumps better by practicing quick rotations.
How to Do It
1. Approach the Jump , Come in at a moderate speed (not too fast, not too slow).
2. Pop Early , As you hit the lip, pop hard but don’t fully rotate.
3. Fake the Spin , Pretend to do a full 180, but cut the rotation short just before completing it.
4. Land Smoothly , Keep your edges engaged and ride out like you did a normal jump.
Pro Tips
- Practice on a small kicker first to get the timing right.
- Focus on your upper body, keep your shoulders level to avoid over-rotating.
- Use it as a setup for bigger tricks like a frontside 180 grab or boardslide.
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2. The Backside Indy Grab (The Sneaky Grab That Looks Easy)
Grabs are essential for any snowboarder, but most riders stick to the melon or stalefish. The backside Indy grab is a sleek, underrated grab that looks effortless once mastered.
Why It’s Sneaky
- It’s harder to see coming than a frontside grab because it’s done backside.
- Adds flow to your jumps, making your riding look smoother.
- Great for transitioning into other tricks like a backside 180.
How to Do It
1. Pop & Rotate , Start with a backside 180 (or less if you’re just learning).
2. Grab the Board , As you rotate, reach behind your back and grab the backside edge (the part closest to your tail).
3. Hold the Grab , Keep your knees bent and weight centered over the board.
4. Unwind & Land , Let go of the grab just before landing and ride out cleanly.
Pro Tips
- Practice on a small jump first to get the grab timing right.
- Keep your eyes up, don’t stare at your board while grabbing.
- Use it as a transition into a backside 360 for extra style.
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3. The Frontside Boardslide (The Sneaky Rail Trick That’s Easier Than It Looks)
Boardslides are classic park tricks, but most riders struggle with frontside boardslides because they feel tricky. The key is sneaky setup, you don’t need a huge jump to nail it.
Why It’s Sneaky
- It looks way harder than it is if you set it up right.
- More forgiving than a regular slide because you’re sliding frontside.
- Great for building confidence on rails and boxes.
How to Do It
1. Approach the Rail , Come in perpendicular (not too steep, not too shallow).
2. Pop & Rotate , As you hit the lip, pop hard and rotate frontside (about 90-120 degrees).
3. Slide the Board , Let the frontside edge slide along the rail while your back foot stays in the air.
4. Unwind & Ride Out , As you pass the rail, unwind your rotation and ride away smoothly.
Pro Tips
- Practice on a small box first before moving to rails.
- Keep your weight centered, don’t let your back foot drag.
- Use a fake frontside 180 as a setup to make the boardslide look seamless.
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4. The Backside Nosepress (The Sneaky Trick That Makes You Look Like a Pro)
The nosepress is a sleek, underrated trick that adds flow and style to your jumps. It’s harder to see coming than a grab or spin because it’s subtle but effective.
Why It’s Sneaky
- It’s not a grab or a spin, it’s a pressure trick, making it unpredictable.
- Looks way harder than it is if executed smoothly.
- Great for transitioning into other tricks like a backside 180.
How to Do It
1. Pop & Rotate , Start with a backside 180 (or less if you’re just learning).
2. Press the Nose , As you rotate, shift your weight forward and press the nose of your board down.
3. Hold the Pressure , Keep the front edge pressed while your back foot stays up.
4. Unwind & Land , Release the pressure just before landing and ride out cleanly.
Pro Tips
- Practice on a small jump first to get the pressure timing right.
- Keep your knees bent, don’t lock them out.
- Use it as a setup for a backside Indy grab for extra style points.
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5. The Sneaky Backside 360 (The Trick That Makes You Look Like a Veteran)
The backside 360 is a must-know trick, but most riders struggle with consistency. The key is sneaky setup, you don’t need a huge jump to pull it off.
Why It’s Sneaky
- It’s harder to predict than a frontside 360 because it’s backside.
- Looks way harder than it is if you set it up right.
- Great for building confidence in bigger spins.
How to Do It
1. Approach the Jump , Come in at a moderate speed (not too fast).
2. Pop Hard , As you hit the lip, pop explosively and rotate backside.
3. Keep Your Weight Centered , Don’t lean too far back or forward.
4. Unwind & Land , As you complete the spin, unwind smoothly and ride out.
Pro Tips
- Practice on a small kicker first to get the timing right.
- Use a fake backside 180 as a setup to make the 360 look seamless.
- Keep your eyes up, don’t stare at your board while spinning.
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Final Tips to Shred Like a Pro This Season
Now that you’ve got the five sneaky tricks down, here’s how to maximize your progress:
Practice Smart
- Start small , Master each trick on a small jump or box before moving to bigger terrain.
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