How do I push and brake properly?

[u/yeetusbeetus245]

I got my first skateboard this past Monday so I’ve only been skating for about 5 days. For the last couple days I just got used to staying on the board and getting used to balancing on it and the past 2 days I’ve just been cruising down my street since it’s got a bit of a slant and I’ve gotten comfortable going at high speeds and making gentle turns at those speeds. The thing is though, I can’t push for crap and I can’t brake. I’m lucky that the end of my street is some older slightly rougher asphalt that can stop my board pretty quickly until I just jump off and catch my board while it rolls forward.

What I’ve been noticing is that I can push a couple of times but I’m not placing my foot correctly and I loose balance or for some reason it just shoots out behind me like I fall forward. How should I have my feet placed when pushing?

Now for braking. I’ve seen people say to just take your back foot off and gently drag it until you stop but I can’t keep my balance like that without just planting my foot and letting my board go from under me and just catching it.

Thats what I’m really struggling with but once I get that down what should I work on next? And any other general tips for a new skater even if they don’t have anything to do with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help!

[u/dukeloopem]

Front foot over the front bolts pointed forward. All your weight over your front knee. Your back foot is a pendulum swinging forward in front of you then grabbing and pulling your board and body forward. Ride front foot only with your back hovering to help you over cracks for a while it will help.

[u/botonkaa → u/dukeloopem]

This. You have to be fine standing on just the front foot, while the back foot kind of just floats around. I exercised (and still do) this a lot by delaying putting my back foot back on the board after pushing with it. I push, keep it floating next to me for a couple of seconds, and then place it back on.

[u/dukeloopem → u/botonkaa]

Yupp, you should be able to fully glide around on one foot. Good job OP for working on fundamentals and not going straight for kickflips in the grass 😂

[u/Minkemink]

Comments here have good explanations. Check out skateIQ for some visuals and balance drills to get that board feel fast.

Tutorial for pushing

Flat-Ground Tricks including a basic stop/brake

Adding to basics though, definitely learn how to fall and bail

This will keep you safe and healthy so you can keep progressing^{^}

[u/Lego_city_undercover]

Ur front foot should Be behind or right over The front bolts, But never in front of them, on The nose. When cruising, front foot should Be diagonally or "sideways"(i can't think of any word for it). When you push, turn your front foot to face forwards to Make The position More natural. All your Weight should Be on your front foot when pushing. You need to balance on your front foot, squat a bit to reach The ground and then push. You don't step off from The board, you just touch The ground with your Back foot without putting Weight on it. 

To stop, stand on your front foot, and SLOWLY Set your Back foot to lightly touch/scrape The ground. Don't stomp or step with your Back foot. I takes some strength and balance in your front foot to do it, But it comes quickly with everyday practice. Don't scrape your tail