How To Pop Shove-It: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn the pop shove-it, one of the coolest and most fundamental tricks in skateboarding? You've come to the right place! The pop shove-it is a fantastic trick to have in your arsenal. It not only looks stylish but also opens the door to a plethora of other advanced tricks. In this comprehensive guide, we're going to break down every step, from the basics to landing it smoothly. So, grab your board, find a smooth surface, and let's get started!

What is a Pop Shove-It?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's define exactly what a pop shove-it is. A pop shove-it is a skateboarding trick where the board rotates 180 degrees behind you while you remain above it, landing back on the board as it completes its rotation. Think of it as a combination of an ollie and a shove-it. Unlike a regular shove-it, the pop shove-it involves popping the tail of your board off the ground, giving you more airtime and control. This extra airtime is crucial for landing the trick consistently. The beauty of the pop shove-it is its versatility. It can be performed on flat ground, over obstacles, and even into or out of grinds and slides. Mastering this trick will not only boost your confidence but also significantly improve your board control and spatial awareness. It's a building block for many more advanced tricks, such as the frontside and backside pop shove-its, 360 shove-its, and even kickflips and heelflips. So, investing the time to learn the pop shove-it is definitely worth it. Plus, it just looks incredibly cool when you nail it! Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an intermediate skater looking to expand your trick repertoire, the pop shove-it is a must-learn. It's challenging enough to be rewarding but not so difficult that it's discouraging. With a bit of practice and persistence, you'll be popping and shuvving in no time!

Prerequisites: Skills to Have Before Attempting a Pop Shove-It

Before you jump into learning the pop shove-it, it's essential to have a few fundamental skateboarding skills down. Think of these as the building blocks that will make learning the pop shove-it much smoother and less frustrating. First and foremost, you absolutely need to be comfortable riding your board. This means being able to push, steer, and maintain your balance while rolling. If you're still wobbly or unsteady on your board, spend some more time just cruising around and getting a feel for it. The more comfortable you are simply riding, the better your chances of landing more complex tricks like the pop shove-it. Next up is the ollie. The ollie is the cornerstone of many skateboarding tricks, and the pop shove-it is no exception. You need to be able to ollie consistently, even if they're not super high. The popping motion and timing you develop while learning to ollie will directly translate to the pop shove-it. If you can ollie over small obstacles, even better! This shows you have a good understanding of board control and timing. Another helpful skill is the regular shove-it (also sometimes just called shove-it without the pop). The shove-it is essentially the pop shove-it without the pop. It involves scooping the tail of the board to make it rotate 180 degrees. While the pop shove-it adds the vertical element of an ollie, understanding the rotation mechanics of the shove-it will give you a head start. Being able to confidently perform a shove-it will help you grasp the rotation aspect of the pop shove-it more easily. Finally, general board awareness is key. This means knowing where your board is in relation to your body at all times. Practice riding around, doing some basic turns, and getting a feel for how your board responds to your movements. The more connected you feel to your board, the easier it will be to control it during the pop shove-it. So, before you start trying to pop shove-it, make sure you've got these basics covered. It's like learning to walk before you can run – mastering the fundamentals will set you up for success and make the learning process much more enjoyable. Trust me, guys, it's worth the effort!

Step-by-Step Guide to Nailing the Pop Shove-It

Okay, guys, now for the exciting part: learning how to actually pop shove-it! We're going to break this down into manageable steps so you can focus on each element individually. Remember, consistency is key, so don't get discouraged if you don't nail it right away. Practice makes perfect! Let's dive in.

1. Foot Placement

The right foot placement is crucial for getting the proper rotation and control. Start by positioning your back foot on the tail of the board. You want the ball of your foot near the edge, allowing you to scoop the board effectively. Your front foot should be placed a little bit behind the front bolts, angled slightly towards the nose of the board. This position allows you to pop the board and keep it under you as it rotates. Think of your front foot as the anchor that keeps you connected to the board. Experiment with slight adjustments to find what feels most comfortable and stable for you. Everyone's stance is a little different, so finding your personal sweet spot is key. Make sure your weight is balanced and you feel centered over the board. A good stance will make all the difference in your ability to control the board during the pop shove-it.

2. The Pop

Just like with an ollie, the pop is what gets your board airborne and sets the stage for the rotation. Bend your knees and crouch down, preparing to explode upwards. As you come up, snap your back foot down on the tail, popping the board off the ground. This popping motion should be quick and forceful. At the same time, slide your front foot slightly up the board, towards the nose. This helps to level out the board in the air and gives you more control. The pop is where the magic happens, so focus on getting a clean, powerful pop. A good pop will give you the height you need to complete the rotation and land smoothly. Practice your pop over and over until it becomes second nature. The better your pop, the easier the rest of the trick will be.

3. The Shove

This is where the shove-it part comes in! As you pop the board, scoop your back foot backward and outwards, creating the 180-degree rotation. Think of it as flicking the tail of the board behind you. The scoop should be a smooth, fluid motion. Avoid just stomping down on the tail, as this will cause the board to shoot out from under you. The combination of the pop and the scoop is what makes the board spin. Your front foot plays a crucial role here as well. It should guide the board's rotation, keeping it from spinning too much or too little. The coordination between your front and back foot is key to achieving the perfect 180-degree rotation. Practice the scooping motion with your back foot while keeping your front foot stable and centered. This will help you develop the muscle memory needed to execute the pop shove-it consistently.

4. The Catch and Landing

Once the board has rotated 180 degrees, it's time to catch it and land. Keep your eyes focused on the board throughout the rotation. This will help you anticipate when it's time to bring your feet back down. As the board completes its spin, bring your feet back over the bolts, ready to land. Try to land with your weight evenly distributed between both feet. This will help you maintain your balance and avoid slipping off the board. Bend your knees as you land to absorb the impact. A soft landing is crucial for rolling away smoothly. If you land stiff-legged, you're more likely to lose your balance or even hurt yourself. Practice landing softly and absorbing the impact with your legs. The catch and landing are just as important as the pop and the shove. A good landing is what makes the trick look clean and stylish. So, focus on sticking the landing every time!

5. Practice Makes Perfect

The pop shove-it, like any skateboarding trick, takes practice. Don't expect to land it perfectly on your first try. Be patient with yourself and keep practicing. Start by practicing the individual steps. Focus on getting a good pop, then work on the shove, and finally, concentrate on the catch and landing. Once you feel comfortable with each step, start putting it all together. Practice rolling slowly at first. This will give you more time to focus on your technique. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase your speed. Film yourself practicing and watch the footage back. This is a great way to identify areas where you can improve. You might notice that you're not popping high enough, or that your scoop isn't quite right. Watching yourself on video can provide valuable insights. Don't be afraid to try different variations. Once you've mastered the basic pop shove-it, you can start experimenting with different stances, speeds, and even obstacles. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. And remember, guys, skateboarding is all about having fun! So, enjoy the process of learning and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Every fall is a learning opportunity. Keep practicing, stay positive, and you'll be landing those pop shove-its in no time!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Alright, guys, let's talk about some common pitfalls that skaters often encounter when learning the pop shove-it. Knowing these mistakes can help you avoid them and accelerate your learning process. Trust me, recognizing these errors early on can save you a lot of frustration. So, let's break down the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Not Popping High Enough

One of the most frequent issues is not getting enough airtime. If you're not popping the board high enough, you won't have enough time to complete the rotation and land cleanly. This often results in the board shooting out from under you or landing primo (on the bolts). To fix this, focus on exaggerating your pop. Really snap the tail hard against the ground and slide your front foot up the board. Think about lifting your knees up towards your chest as you pop. This will give you more height and more time to control the board. Practice your ollies to improve your overall popping technique. A higher pop is the foundation for a successful pop shove-it, so make sure you're getting enough air.

2. Not Scooping Enough

Another common mistake is not getting the 180-degree rotation. This usually happens when you're not scooping your back foot back and outwards enough. Instead of a smooth rotation, the board might only turn partway or not at all. To correct this, focus on the scooping motion. Really exaggerate the backward and outward flick of your back foot. Imagine you're trying to wipe something off the tail of your board. The scoop should be a fluid, deliberate movement. Practice the scooping motion by itself, without popping the board. This will help you develop the muscle memory needed for the shove-it part of the trick. A proper scoop is essential for getting the full rotation.

3. Leaning Too Far Back or Forward

Balance is key in skateboarding, and leaning too far in either direction can throw off your pop shove-it. Leaning too far back can cause the board to shoot out in front of you, while leaning too far forward can make you fall forward. To maintain your balance, focus on staying centered over the board. Keep your weight evenly distributed between both feet. Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body. Practice your balance by simply riding around and doing some basic turns. The more comfortable you are balancing on your board, the easier it will be to stay centered during the pop shove-it.

4. Not Committing

Hesitation is the enemy of skateboarding! If you're not fully committed to the trick, you're much more likely to bail. This can manifest as not fully popping, not scooping with enough force, or pulling your feet off the board too early. To overcome this, visualize yourself landing the trick successfully. Commit to the entire motion, from the pop to the landing. Trust your instincts and go for it! The more confident you are, the more likely you are to land the pop shove-it. Sometimes, the hardest part is just believing that you can do it.

5. Looking Down

It's natural to want to look down at your board, but this can throw off your balance and make it harder to land the trick. When you look down, you tend to lean forward, which can cause you to lose control. Instead, keep your eyes focused ahead of you, in the direction you're rolling. Use your peripheral vision to monitor the board's rotation. This will help you maintain your balance and stay centered. Practice keeping your head up while you're riding and doing other tricks. It might feel awkward at first, but it will make a big difference in your overall board control.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to mastering the pop shove-it. Remember, skateboarding is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, keep practicing, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Every fall is a learning opportunity. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be landing those pop shove-its in no time!

Level Up: Variations and Next Steps After Mastering the Pop Shove-It

So, you've finally conquered the pop shove-it! Congratulations, guys! You've unlocked a whole new level of skateboarding fun. But the journey doesn't end here. The pop shove-it is a gateway trick, opening the door to a ton of other cool variations and more advanced maneuvers. Let's explore some exciting next steps you can take to further expand your skateboarding skills.

1. Frontside Pop Shove-It

Once you're comfortable with the regular pop shove-it (which is technically a backside pop shove-it), the frontside pop shove-it is a natural progression. The frontside version involves rotating the board 180 degrees in front of you, rather than behind you. This changes the dynamics of the trick and can feel a bit awkward at first, but with practice, it becomes just as smooth as the backside version. The foot placement is similar to the regular pop shove-it, but the scooping motion is reversed. You'll be scooping your back foot forward and outwards, rather than backward. The frontside pop shove-it adds a new dimension to your skating and opens up even more possibilities for trick combinations.

2. 360 Pop Shove-It

Ready for a challenge? The 360 pop shove-it takes the rotation to the next level. Instead of a 180-degree spin, the board rotates a full 360 degrees. This trick requires more pop, more scoop, and more commitment. It's a real crowd-pleaser when you land it cleanly. The key to the 360 pop shove-it is generating enough rotation with your back foot while keeping your body centered over the board. You'll need to pop high and scoop hard. Practice breaking down the trick into smaller steps. First, focus on getting the 360-degree rotation of the board. Then, work on catching it and landing smoothly. The 360 pop shove-it is a challenging but incredibly rewarding trick to master.

3. Pop Shove-It Over Obstacles

Once you've got the pop shove-it dialed on flat ground, try taking it over obstacles. Start with something small, like a crack in the pavement or a low curb. As you get more confident, you can gradually increase the size of the obstacles. Doing pop shove-its over obstacles adds a new level of excitement and difficulty to the trick. It also helps you develop your timing and board control. Focus on popping high enough to clear the obstacle and keeping your body centered as you land. Pop shove-its over obstacles are a great way to push your skills and make your skating more dynamic.

4. Pop Shove-It into Grinds and Slides

For the more advanced skaters out there, combining the pop shove-it with grinds and slides is a stylish and impressive move. Imagine popping a pop shove-it into a boardslide or a 50-50 grind. These combinations require precise timing and board control, but the payoff is huge. Start by practicing the pop shove-it and the grind or slide separately. Once you're comfortable with both, try putting them together. Focus on landing the pop shove-it in the correct position to lock into the grind or slide. Pop shove-it combos are a great way to showcase your skills and creativity.

5. Incorporate into Lines

Ultimately, skateboarding is about putting tricks together into flowing lines. Practice incorporating the pop shove-it into your lines. Link it with other tricks, like ollies, kickflips, and grinds. The more tricks you can link together, the more creative and stylish your skating will become. Think about the flow of your line and how the pop shove-it fits into it. Experiment with different combinations and find what feels natural and fun for you. Incorporating the pop shove-it into your lines is the ultimate expression of your skateboarding skills.

The pop shove-it is just the beginning, guys. There's a whole world of skateboarding tricks out there waiting for you to discover them. Keep practicing, keep pushing yourself, and most importantly, keep having fun! The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

So, guys, that's it! You've made it through our comprehensive guide on how to pop shove-it. We've covered everything from the basics of foot placement and the pop to common mistakes and advanced variations. The pop shove-it is a fantastic trick to have in your skateboarding arsenal. It's not only stylish but also a stepping stone to many other more complex tricks. Remember, the key to mastering the pop shove-it is practice and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't land it right away. Every skater falls countless times before they perfect a trick. The important thing is to keep getting back on your board and keep trying. Focus on breaking the trick down into smaller steps and mastering each element individually. Get your foot placement right, nail the pop, perfect the scoop, and stick the landing. And most importantly, have fun! Skateboarding is all about pushing yourself, challenging your limits, and enjoying the ride. The pop shove-it is a rewarding trick to learn, and the feeling of landing it cleanly is incredibly satisfying. So, go out there, practice hard, and soon you'll be popping and shuvving with the best of them. And once you've mastered the pop shove-it, don't stop there! Explore the variations, try it over obstacles, and incorporate it into your lines. The possibilities are endless. Skateboarding is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. There's always a new trick to learn, a new challenge to overcome. So, keep pushing yourself, keep progressing, and keep having fun. Thanks for joining us on this pop shove-it adventure. Now go out there and shred! You've got this!