A Smith grind is a trick in which you only grind on your trucks.The rail or ledge of your board has a nose that leans towards it.On any rail, ledge, or curb, the Smith grind can be done.It involves ollieing up onto a rail or ledge, locking your back trucks into a grind, and then popping off and landing back on the ground.This is an advanced trickThe ollie is a basic Smith grind trick.You should be comfortable with both 50/50 and 5-0 grinds.
Step 1: It's a good idea to position yourself properly on the board.
If you want to perform an ollie on the rail or ledge you will need to position your body.There are two types of Smith grinds.The trick is always done by grinding the back trucks on the rail or ledge.When you grind on the rail, the difference between a backside and frontside is determined by which way you are facing.If you are facing the rail, that is a Smith grind.If your back is to the rail, it's a backside.Before attempting to do a Smith grind, you should be comfortable doing a 50/50 and 5-0 grind.The 50/50 grind places both trucks on the rail.One set of trucks on the rail causes you to balance the other end of the board above it.It is best to learn this trick on a flat bar.It will be harder to balance on a rounded bar.
Step 2: Take your weight off of your back foot.
As you push off and start rolling you will have to shift your weight to your back foot.If you want to keep the nose of the board down, try pressing on it with the ball of your front foot.You want your feet to cover most of the board.You don't want to have either foot hanging off the edge of your board.
Step 3: The rail or ledge is a good place to skate toward.
At a moderate speed, come at the object.You need to be able toollie up onto the rail and grind the length of it.Depending on the rail, the speed you need will be different.You can get tripped up if you go too slow.The board may slide out from under you if you are too fast.It will take practice to find a balance.The rail or ledge is almost parallel to you.If you are too far away from the rail, your trucks won't land on it.The angle is roughly forty-five degrees.Pick your point of entry.You want to land on the rail.It will help you get there and keep you balanced.Don't look at the board.You won't be able to see where you're going and can hurt yourself if you miss the rail.
Step 4: An ollie can be performed.
While sliding your front foot forward to ollie, release your compression and pop the tail of your board.Keeping an eye on your landing spot will be aided by the speed you have.Practice on the lower rails if you are new to this.Your trucks need to be above the rail if youollie high enough.
Step 5: The board should be positioned for the Smith grind.
The Smith grind is similar to a 50/50 in that you want to land with your trucks on the rail.Just your back ones will land here, unlike a 50/50 with both trucks hitting the rail.If you enter at a slight angle, you will be able to position and turn your board in the air so that you only get your trucks on the rail.You should be able to come in at about a forty-five degree angle.To get close to the rail, push the board forward with your feet.
Step 6: Land on the train.
The front part of your board needs to be tilted at an angle from the curb.When you land with your trucks on the rail, you want to push the tip of the board down so that the front trucks can go to one side.Your back foot should be in the pocket of your tail.The tail of the board doesn't pop down if you hold your foot over your trucks.To point your toes toward the front of the board, position your front foot.Put pressure on the ball of your foot.You want your foot on the board over the trucks.You should be able to direct the front of your board over the rail if it is at an angle that is comfortable to you.
Step 7: Make sure your trucks are locked.
You want to kick your back foot in the direction of the rail as your trucks approach.Think of it the same way as you stomp your trucks down to land on the rail.You want to apply a lot of weight to your back foot once the trucks are locked in.The trucks will be held in the Smith grind position.You have more freedom of motion if you put most of your weight on the back of the board.
Step 8: The nose of your board should be pointing down.
To help guide your nose away from the rail or ledge, use your front toes or the ball of your foot.When grinding on a rail, you can lock your back trucks in and lean the front of your board over as far as your balance will allow.It's important to lock your trucks in the center and find a more precise balance when grinding on a ledge.You have to put a lot of weight on your back foot.If you lean too far, your wheel will catch the ledge and you will roll off.
Step 9: Put all of your weight on your back foot.
The majority of your weight is what will propel you forward.The direction of your board's front end is influenced by your front leg and foot.If you put too much weight on your foot, you will end up dipping the nose of your board.Dipping the nose too far can cause your board to slide.When on a ledge, keep the weight on your back foot, but don't put as much pressure on the part of your foot closest to the ledge.Too much pressure will cause you to slow down.If you ride goofy (right foot in front) and do a frontside Smith grind on a ledge, you want to lean back a bit with less pressure on your toes.Skaters with the left foot in front do a backside, with less pressure on their heels.
Step 10: Out of the Smith.
Try to get used to ollieing out of your grind if you choose to ride off the end of the rail or ledge.Attach the tail of your board to the rail or ledge by snapping it down onto it.To clear the rail or ledge, flick your front foot forward and bring the nose up.You can ride off the edge on some rails.It works better on shorter grinds.Put more pressure on the tail of your board to lift the nose as you exit.
Step 11: You should keep the board level as you land.
If youollie out of your grind or ride off the edge, shift your weight to your body's center to help level out your board for a smooth landing.You risk landing on your back wheels if you are leaning too far back.You risk the board shooting out from under your feet if you land this way.You won't be able to exit the grind with the nose of your board hitting the ground if you're too forward.
Step 12: Stay on the landing and ride away.
Your body may be unbalanced after you hit the pavement.It will take some time to get used to connecting all four wheels to the ground.To absorb the shock of landing, bend your knees.Staying on your board will be helped by bending.Using your arms will help you balance and center your weight.
Step 13: Practice Smith on rails and ledges.
You can get used to grinding and exiting off the rail or ledge on different surfaces.The best way to do this trick is with flat rails.The flat rail gives you plenty of surface area to lock your trucks into and doesn't restrict you to one side.You have to have precise balance and make sure you get the nose of your board far enough to one side on a ledge.The surface of the rails isn't flat.You can easily roll too far to one side of the rail if you don't have exceptional balance.