Switchblade
The Switchblade is similar to a Shove-It, but after the 180, you push down with your front foot to stop the board and lock it into a Tailstop. The whole motion resembles the action of a switchblade knife.
Not only is this trick fun to do, but it can also be very handy in certain self-defense situations. Let’s say that you are out skating at your favorite tennis court, when some guy busts out onto the court with tight shorts, a brand new racket and a basket full of balls. He starts yelling at you to get lost. You politely say, “Sorry, I was just leaving.” But, he persists by asking you insulting questions like, “Aren’t you a little old to be skateboarding?” and “Why don’t you go get a job?” Being a pro freestyler, you say, “This is my job.” He doesn’t get it and feels insulted, then proceeds to go apeshit. He starts toward you, waving his fists in a threatening manner. This causes you to fear for your safety. Time slows down. A scene from "Starship Troopers" pops into your mind. You can hear Lieutenant Willy yelling to you, "Remember your training, and you will make it out alive!" Regardless of the mounting trepidation, you calmly recall the countless hours of practice. You know that the muscle-memory is already there, you simply need to activate it. You are suddenly filled with courage. You salute and get into position. Just as he gets within striking distance, you execute a perfect Switchblade and CRACK!! You nail John McEnroe right in the shin. He screams like a little girl and falls to the ground in pain. While he's down, you quickly Tic Tac away as fast as you can, to skate another day.
| Difficulty Level |
Basic |
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Trick Tips
Trick tip by Mike Osterman.
Also check out Tony Gale's trick tip featuring Aaron Watts at freestyletricktips.com