The 50/50 grind is the term used when you grind with both trucks on an obstacle such as a ledge, rail, curb, or ramp coping. The 50/50 grind is the most basic grind and usually the first type of grind skateboarders learn.

There are two types of 50/50 grinds; frontside and backside. This tutorial is focused on the frontside 50/50 grind which can be easier as the obstacle is on your frontside and easier to see.

In order to learn how to 50/50 grind you will need to have learnt how to ollie. If you have yet to learn the ollie check out this tutorial on how to ollie on a skateboard. If you are comfortable with your ollie and balance then it is time to commit to the 50/50 grind.

Your local skatepark more than likely will have a ledge for you to practice, and if not check out this tutorial on how to build a grind ledge so that you can practice ledge tricks at home.

How To 50/50 Grind: Step By Step Instructions

The Approach

The approach to the ledge is very important as it will determine the angle at which you land on it. Approach the ledge parallel or as close to parallel as you can with your feet in the ollie position.

Remember to look at where you want to land on the coping of the ledge to ensure you land in the right spot and then look to the end of the ledge to where you want to pop out of the grind.

The Ollie On

The next step is to ollie onto the ledge and land flat on both of your trucks. You must ollie slightly higher than the ledge to ensure you land on the top of the ledge. It is important that both of your trucks land on the coping at the same time. Make sure the trucks lock onto the coping otherwise you may slip out and injure yourself.

The 50/50 Grind

Now that you are doing a 50/50 grind, look towards the end of the ledge because this will help you prepare for popping out and landing. Make sure that your weight is over the center of the board so you don’t fall backwards or forwards. Balance is very important to successfully complete a 50/50 grind.

Landing The 50/50 Grind

To land the 50/50 grind you want to lift the front of your skateboard up by slightly pushing down on your tail. This will allow you to pop off the ledge and roll away. Remember to slightly bend your knees when you land to absorb the shock.

TIPS ON LEARNING HOW TO 50/50 GRIND A LEDGE

If you are worried about attempting the 50/50 grind on a ledge while moving forward you can practice ollieing onto a curb from a stationary position and landing in the 50/50 position. This will allow you to perform most of the steps and help you build muscle memory. Once you are feeling confident on the curb, step it up to the ledge and commit to the grind.

Did You Have Success With Learning How To 50/50 Grind?

Hopefully now you can celebrate landing your first 50/50 Grind! Just remember skateboarding takes a lot of practice so do not give up!! Leave us a comment below telling us about your progress and success with the 50/50 grind.

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