1. The Art of the BonelessThe boneless is a foundational street trick that perfectly bridges the gap between old-school cool and modern creativity. To execute this maneuver, the rider plants their front foot firmly on the ground while simultaneously grabbing the middle of the board with their hand. With a coordinated pop and lift, the skater jumps off the planted foot, drawing the board up into the air before landing back on the concrete with both feet. This trick teaches exceptional balance, coordination, and the fundamental physics of managing a skateboard with physical hand contact. It remains a favorite for navigating obstacles creatively.
2. The Classic Bean PlantOriginating in the early days of vert and street skating, the bean plant requires the skater to grab the nose of the board with their leading hand. Simultaneously, the skater plants their front foot onto the ground to pivot and launch upward. Unlike the boneless, the specific grip on the nose alters the center of gravity, offering a distinct visual style and a different challenge for body compliance. Mastering the bean plant gives skaters a deeper appreciation for transition skating and enhances their ability to manipulate the board in tight spaces, such as pools and mini-ramps.
3. Mastering the FastplantFor those looking to inject pure speed and explosive height into their progression, the fastplant is the ultimate selection. This trick involves popping the tail of the board, planting the back foot onto a surface or the coping of a ramp, and grabbing the board to guide it through the air. Because the back foot generates the explosive launch, the timing must be immaculate. Skaters who master the fastplant can conquer vertical walls, sudden banks, and street gaps with a level of aggression and style that traditional ollies simply cannot replicate.
4. The Inverted HandplantStepping into the realm of advanced transition skating, the inverted handplant represents a breathtaking fusion of gymnastics and skateboarding. In this maneuver, the skater rides up a vertical ramp, places one hand directly onto the coping, and throws their entire body upside down. The other hand firmly holds the board against the feet to maintain control during the inversion. This trick demands immense upper body strength, spatial awareness, and absolute commitment. Landing a clean handplant provides an unparalleled rush and serves as a true milestone for advanced transition riders.
5. The Sweeper VariationThe sweeper is a stylish and highly technical hand-assisted trick performed predominantly on mini-ramps and quarterpipes. As the skater reaches the apex of the ramp, they stall on the coping, grab the board, and literally sweep the tail or wheels across the deck or coping surface before dropping back into the transition. It requires a delicate touch and excellent weight distribution to prevent the board from slipping away. The sweeper adds a fluid, rhythmic quality to any skate run and helps riders develop a nuanced feel for ramp coping transitions.
6. The Caveman DropPerhaps the most utilitarian hand-on trick in skateboarding history, the caveman involves holding the skateboard completely off the ground and jumping onto it mid-air. Skaters often use the caveman to start a run down a massive set of stairs, onto a steep handrail, or directly into a rugged bank where pushing is impossible. While it might look straightforward, the timing required to safely meet the board with both feet while gravity pulls you down demands precise foot placement and confidence. It is a staple trick for street skaters worldwide.
7. The Sadplant ChallengeRounding out the list is the sadplant, a striking and notoriously difficult variation of the traditional handplant. To perform a sadplant, the skater executes an invert on a ramp but completely extends their front leg straight out into the air, creating a dramatic, asymmetrical silhouette. The psychological barrier of extending the leg while upside down makes this trick incredibly difficult to master. It tests flexibility, core strength, and board control to the absolute limit, making it one of the most respected hand-assisted maneuvers in the culture.
Incorporating hand-assisted tricks into a skateboarding repertoire completely transforms how a rider interacts with their environment. These maneuvers break the monotony of standard flip tricks and ollies, opening up a world of historical style and physical expression. By dedicating time to master these seven hands-on techniques, skaters build superior core strength, overcome spatial disorientation, and develop a unique style that honors the creative roots of skateboarding culture
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