How to 50-50 grind

A 50-50 is grinding along an edge with both trucks on it, the board flat on top. It's usually the first grind people learn, because both trucks hold you up and the balance feels steady once you're locked in.

Choose your spot

• A low curb is the best first spot. Low height, and you can step off easily.
• A waxed curb or ledge grinds smoother. Wax helps the trucks slide.
• A low flat bar comes after you're comfortable on curbs.

Make sure the edge is smooth and the ground before and after is clear.

Foot placement

• Back foot: on the tail, like an ollie.
• Front foot: behind the front bolts, like an ollie.

You'll be ollieing onto the edge, so your normal ollie stance is right.

The motion

1. Approach parallel to the ledge, or at a very slight angle, close enough to ollie onto it.
2. Ollie a bit higher than the ledge.
3. Lock in. Land both trucks on the edge, with the board on top of it. Your weight should be centered over both trucks.
4. Grind. Keep your shoulders lined up with the ledge, knees slightly bent.
5. Pop out. At the end, press the tail a little to lift the nose, or do a small ollie, and land back on the ground.

A practice plan

1. Stationary on a curb: put your trucks on the curb and stand on it. Feel the balance point.
2. Roll into it slowly without ollieing: on a very low curb, you can roll your front truck on and feel it.
3. Ollie onto the curb and stall, standing still.
4. Ollie on and grind a little.
5. Grind the whole curb, then a longer one.

A worked example: slipping off the edge

Jay keeps landing with his back truck on and his front truck slipping off. He films one and sees he's approaching at too wide an angle, so the front truck comes in late. He approaches more parallel, and keeps his shoulders lined up with the ledge. Both trucks land together, and he can grind the whole curb.

Fixes for the usual problems

• One truck slips off: approach more parallel, and aim to land both trucks at once.
• Board stops dead: you need more speed, or the ledge needs wax.
• Board slides out the other side: you're leaning too far over the ledge. Stay centered.
• Falling back off: your weight is back. Keep your shoulders over the board.
• Can't get up on it: ollie higher, and pop a little earlier.

Wax and respect

Wax makes a big difference on curbs and ledges. But at street spots, wax can leave marks and annoy people who own or use the place. At parks, it's usually fine. Use your judgment and keep it to spots that are meant for skating.

Getting out cleanly

Popping out is what makes a 50-50 look clean. Three common ways:

• Ollie out: at the end of the ledge, do a small ollie and land on the ground. Clean and controlled.
• Roll off the end: on a ledge with a clean end, you can just roll off. Keep your weight centered so you don't nose-dive.
• Turn out: before the end, turn your shoulders a bit away from the ledge and ollie off sideways onto the ground.

Pick one and practice it until it's automatic.

Why both trucks matter

A 50-50 is stable because both trucks share your weight. If your weight goes to one truck, you're really doing a 5-0 or a nosegrind, and it'll feel shaky. Keep your weight centered over the middle of the board, and your shoulders lined up with the ledge. If you feel the nose dipping, ease back a bit; if the tail is dragging, lean forward slightly.

Speed

You need some speed for a 50-50. Too slow and the trucks catch and the board stops dead. Medium speed is easiest: fast enough to grind the whole curb, slow enough to stay in control. On longer ledges, you'll want a bit more.

Common mistakes

• Starting on something too high. Start on a low curb.
• Approaching at too wide an angle. Go more parallel.
• Being slow. Grinding needs some speed.
• Leaning in. Stay centered over the ledge.

FAQ

Does a 50-50 work on a rail?

Yes, but rails are harder. Start on curbs and ledges.

What's the difference between a 50-50 and a 5-0?

A 5-0 is grinding on just the back truck, with the nose up.

Do I need special trucks?

No. Any normal truck works.

Can I do a 50-50 in a game of SKATE?

Most games of SKATE are flat ground. Grinds need a ledge or rail, so they usually come up in other games or on a session.

Next: How to drop in

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