How to Do Tony Hawk’s Madonna Skateboard Trick
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 1 min read
In 1984 pro skater Tony Hawk was creating plenty of new tricks, but he grew frustrated that none of them seemed to be catching on in the skating community. Tony's friend and fellow professional skateboarder, Lester Kasai, suggested that Tony give his skateboarding tricks trendier names to make them memorable. At the time, nothing was trendier than superstar singer Madonna, so Tony named his latest trick after the material girl. Lester's suggestion worked, and today the Madonna is a popular vert trick at skateparks around the world.
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What Is the Madonna Skate Trick?
The Madonna is a one-footed lien to tail. This vert trick involves performing a nose grab, taking the front foot off the skateboard, and kicking the front foot straight down behind the board. A backside Madonna is also known as a "Sean Penn" since the actor married Madonna shortly after the original trick's creation, making him Madonna's opposite.
Tony Hawk Shows How to Do a Madonna
How to Do a Madonna in 4 Steps
Looking to try a Madonna for the first time? Review this guide before hitting the skatepark.
- 1. Going the frontside direction, grab the nose of your board with your front hand as your momentum carries you up off the ramp—no ollie necessary.
- 2. Just after you grab the nose of your board, take your front foot off the board and kick it downward, propelling you further up.
- 3. As you reach your peak, bend your front leg and bring it back up to your board.
- 4. As you come down, aim your tail for the coping, but make sure you are far enough out of the coping that your back truck won’t catch it, hang up, and send you sprawling. If you’re too far out and your tail misses the coping, you’ll just land your wheels directly on the ramp and roll down.
Want to Learn More About Skateboarding?
Whether you’re just learning how to ollie or ready to hit the halfpipe and tackle a benihana, the MasterClass Annual Membership can help you find confidence on your board with exclusive instructional videos from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, street skater Riley Hawk, and Olympic hopeful Lizzie Armanto.