How to Ride Switch on a Skateboard: 3 Tips for Riding Switch
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read
In skateboarding, riding switch is essentially the equivalent to switch-hitting in baseball. A switch hitter is capable of batting both right-handed and left-handed, and the same is true for skateboarders riding switch, who can alternate between their regular stance and goofy stance.
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What Is Switch Stance in Skateboarding?
Riding switch is when a skateboarder uses the opposite footing from their normal stance. A skater who rides regular-foot (their left foot is their leading foot) has a goofy-foot switch stance, and a skater who rides goofy-foot (their right foot is their leading foot) has a regular-foot switch stance. Performing a switch trick—anything from a switch ollie to a switch kickflip to or a switch heelflip—is typically more difficult because you have less board control when your stance doesn't feel as natural.
What Is the Difference Between Switch and Fakie?
There are two primary differences between riding switch and riding fakie. First, in switch skating, you're riding with the nose of the board in front, but when riding fakie, you're riding with the tail of the board in front. Second, switch requires you to use the opposite footing from your normal stance, while fakie uses your normal stance.
3 Tips for Riding Switch on a Skateboard
It's normal to wipe out the first time you attempt to ride switch, but the following tips will make learning to ride switch an easier process.
- 1. Switch your pushing foot. If you use the same foot to push in your switch stance as you do in your normal stance, you'll be "pushing mongo," which is when you push your skateboard using your front foot. You always want to push with your back foot because that gives you the most stability.
- 2. Record video of your switch tricks. Recording yourself performing the same trick in both your normal stance and your switch stance allows you to compare your form side by side so you can see how to improve. When performing a switch trick, all the same principles of the regular trick still apply. The only difference is that the trick is mirrored.
- 3. Practice regularly. The best way to improve at riding switch is to do it as much as possible. Whether you’re skating down the street or at a skatepark, the more you ride, the more natural it will feel.
Want to Learn More About Skateboarding?
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