Master the Tailwhip: A Comprehensive Guide to Scooter Domination
The tailwhip. It’s arguably one of the most iconic and sought-after tricks in scooter riding. Seeing a rider effortlessly whip the deck around and land back on with style is a sight to behold. But don’t let its visual appeal intimidate you. With the right approach, dedication, and a solid understanding of the fundamentals, you too can conquer the tailwhip and add it to your arsenal of tricks.
This comprehensive guide will break down the tailwhip into manageable steps, providing detailed instructions, helpful tips, and common troubleshooting advice to help you progress from aspiring learner to tailwhip master. So, grab your scooter, find a smooth surface, and let’s get started!
## Prerequisites: Before You Whip It
Before even attempting a tailwhip, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation in basic scooter riding skills. These skills will not only make learning the tailwhip easier but also minimize the risk of injury. Make sure you are comfortable with the following:
* **Riding Comfortably:** This may seem obvious, but you should be able to ride your scooter with confidence and maintain balance without constantly thinking about it. Practice riding at different speeds and navigating various terrains.
* **Bunny Hop Basics:** A decent bunny hop is absolutely essential. You need to be able to get your scooter off the ground to have any chance of rotating the deck. Aim for a hop height of at least 6-8 inches consistently. Work on popping straight up and keeping your weight centered over the scooter.
* **Barspin (Optional but Recommended):** While not strictly required, knowing how to barspin can significantly aid in learning the tailwhip. The hand motion used in a barspin is similar to the motion used to initiate the tailwhip. Plus, it builds confidence in releasing the handlebars.
* **Foot Jam (Optional but Recommended):** Practicing a foot jam will allow you to get more comfortable controlling the rotation of the deck. Try using your feet to catch the rotation of the scooter while balancing on the ground.
## Gear Up for Success: Safety First!
Safety should always be your top priority when learning new scooter tricks. Invest in the right gear to protect yourself from potential injuries.
* **Helmet:** A properly fitted helmet is non-negotiable. It’s the most important piece of safety equipment and can prevent serious head injuries.
* **Knee Pads:** Knee pads will protect your knees from scrapes and impacts, especially when learning to land. They can be a lifesaver when you inevitably bail.
* **Elbow Pads:** Elbow pads offer similar protection for your elbows and are especially helpful when learning tricks that involve falling forward.
* **Wrist Guards:** Wrist guards provide support and protection for your wrists, which are particularly vulnerable to injury during scooter tricks.
* **Shoes:** Wear flat-bottomed shoes with good grip. Skate shoes are ideal, but any shoes that provide a solid connection to the deck will work.
## Breaking Down the Tailwhip: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’re equipped with the necessary skills and safety gear, let’s dive into the breakdown of the tailwhip.
**Step 1: The Stance and Setup**
* **Foot Placement:** Position your feet on the deck in a comfortable and balanced stance. Most riders prefer to have their feet slightly angled, with their weight distributed evenly. Experiment to find what feels best for you. A common setup is to have the front foot slightly further back than when riding normally. The location of your back foot will depend on the direction of the whip.
* **Hand Position:** Grip the handlebars firmly but not too tightly. Keep your elbows slightly bent and relaxed. Position your hands shoulder-width apart, or slightly wider.
* **Mental Preparation:** Visualize the trick in your mind. Imagine yourself executing each step smoothly and landing with confidence. Mental preparation can significantly improve your chances of success.
**Step 2: The Hop and the Whip**
* **Initiate the Hop:** Begin by performing a strong bunny hop. As you jump, focus on lifting your knees towards your chest and keeping your body centered over the scooter. This is crucial for maintaining balance during the rotation.
* **The Key Movement:** When you are in mid-air, the most important part of the trick begins. Shifting your weight will cause the scooter deck to rotate. To do this you will kick your hips and bring your front foot in the direction of the rotation. At the same time, you will need to use your hands to initiate and control the whip. Use your hands to “throw” the deck around. Push your front hand forward and pull your back hand back. The hand motion is similar to a barspin but with more emphasis on the downward and forward motion.
* **Spot the Landing:** As the deck rotates, keep your eyes focused on the spot where you want to land. This will help you maintain balance and prepare for the landing.
**Step 3: Catching the Deck and Landing**
* **Spot the Rotation:** As the deck completes its rotation, extend your legs and prepare to catch it with your feet. Watch the deck come back around so you can land with both feet on the deck.
* **Foot Placement:** Aim to land with your feet in the same position they were in before you initiated the tailwhip. This will help you maintain balance and control upon landing. The biggest mistake that most people make is attempting to stomp their feet on the scooter while it is still rotating, instead of waiting for the deck to finish it’s rotation.
* **Cushion the Landing:** As you land, bend your knees to absorb the impact. This will help you maintain balance and prevent injury. Keep your weight centered over the scooter and your eyes focused ahead.
**Step 4: Ride Away with Style**
* **Maintain Balance:** Once you’ve landed, maintain your balance and continue riding smoothly. Avoid making sudden movements or adjustments that could throw you off balance.
* **Celebrate Your Success:** You’ve just landed a tailwhip! Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment and acknowledge the progress you’ve made.
## Pro Tips for Tailwhip Mastery
* **Start Small:** Don’t try to learn the tailwhip over a large obstacle or gap. Begin by practicing on flat ground to get a feel for the rotation and landing. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the height and complexity of your attempts.
* **Practice Regularly:** Consistency is key to mastering any scooter trick. Set aside dedicated practice time each week and stick to your training schedule. The more you practice, the faster you’ll progress.
* **Film Yourself:** Recording your attempts can help you identify areas for improvement. Watch the footage closely and analyze your technique. Pay attention to your foot placement, hand motion, and body positioning.
* **Learn from Others:** Watch videos of experienced riders performing tailwhips and try to emulate their technique. You can also seek out advice from local scooter riders or coaches. Learning from others can accelerate your progress and prevent you from developing bad habits.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Fall:** Falling is an inevitable part of learning new scooter tricks. Don’t let it discourage you. Embrace the falls as learning opportunities and get back on your scooter with renewed determination. Make sure you have the proper safety gear before attempting tricks.
* **Visualize Success:** Before attempting a tailwhip, take a moment to visualize yourself landing the trick perfectly. This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence and improve your chances of success.
* **Dial in your Scooter:** Make sure your scooter is properly adjusted, this will affect the feel of the trick.
* **Be Patient:** Learning the tailwhip takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Stay patient, persistent, and focused on your goals. With enough practice, you’ll eventually master the tailwhip.
* **Practice one small step at a time:** Master each of the small steps before putting them all together. Attempting too much at once will likely lead to frustration and possibly injury.
## Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
* **Not Hopping High Enough:** If you’re not getting enough airtime, you won’t have enough time to complete the rotation. Focus on improving your bunny hop technique and jumping higher.
* **Solution:** Practice bunny hops regularly, focusing on popping straight up and keeping your weight centered over the scooter.
* **Not Using Your Hands Effectively:** Your hands play a crucial role in initiating and controlling the rotation of the deck. If you’re not using your hands properly, the deck may not rotate fully or may rotate too fast.
* **Solution:** Practice the hand motion separately, focusing on pushing your front hand forward and pulling your back hand back. Visualize yourself throwing the deck around with your hands.
* **Leaning Too Far Forward or Backward:** Leaning too far in either direction can throw off your balance and make it difficult to land the trick.
* **Solution:** Focus on keeping your weight centered over the scooter throughout the entire trick. Engage your core muscles to maintain stability.
* **Landing with Your Feet in the Wrong Position:** Landing with your feet in the wrong position can cause you to lose balance and fall. Aim to land with your feet in the same position they were in before you initiated the tailwhip.
* **Solution:** Focus on spotting the landing and adjusting your foot position in mid-air to ensure a clean landing.
* **Giving Up Too Easily:** Learning the tailwhip can be challenging, and it’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. However, giving up is the only way to guarantee failure.
* **Solution:** Stay patient, persistent, and focused on your goals. Remember that every fall is a learning opportunity, and with enough practice, you’ll eventually master the tailwhip.
## Tailwhip Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic tailwhip, you can start exploring variations to add more style and complexity to your riding.
* **Heelwhip:** Similar to the tailwhip, but you kick the deck with your heels instead of your toes.
* **Rewind Tailwhip:** Performing the tailwhip rotation, but in reverse.
* **Tailwhip Over Obstacles:** Performing the tailwhip over a box, ramp, or other obstacle.
* **180 Tailwhip:** Combining a 180-degree turn with a tailwhip.
* **360 Tailwhip:** Combining a 360-degree turn with a tailwhip. This is a more advanced move and can be dangerous.
* **Fingerwhip:** Instead of using a hop, you lift the scooter with your hand, spinning it with your fingers.
## Maintaining Your Scooter for Tailwhip Success
A well-maintained scooter is essential for performing tailwhips safely and effectively. Regularly inspect your scooter for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and address any issues promptly.
* **Tighten Loose Bolts:** Loose bolts can affect the stability and handling of your scooter. Check all bolts regularly and tighten them as needed. Use appropriate tools and avoid over-tightening, which can damage the threads.
* **Check Your Bearings:** Worn or damaged bearings can slow down your scooter and make it more difficult to perform tricks. Clean and lubricate your bearings regularly, and replace them if necessary.
* **Inspect Your Deck:** Look for any cracks or damage to your deck. A cracked deck can be dangerous and should be replaced immediately.
* **Maintain Your Grips:** Worn or damaged grips can make it difficult to hold onto the handlebars securely. Replace your grips regularly to ensure a comfortable and safe riding experience.
* **Check Your Wheels:** Look for wear and tear on the wheels. Make sure there are no cracks or chunks missing. Replace the wheel if needed.
## Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge and Enjoy the Ride
The tailwhip is a challenging but rewarding trick that can take your scooter riding to the next level. By following the steps outlined in this guide, practicing regularly, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can conquer the tailwhip and impress your friends with your skills.
Remember to always prioritize safety and wear appropriate gear. Don’t be afraid to fall, and don’t give up easily. With enough dedication and perseverance, you’ll be whipping your scooter deck around like a pro in no time. So, get out there, practice hard, and most importantly, have fun! Happy riding!