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Skateboarding => Skate Questions => Topic started by: Billy Bitchcakes on September 11, 2020, 03:25:50 AM

Title: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: Billy Bitchcakes on September 11, 2020, 03:25:50 AM
I've always been into skating switch and have been doing it even more recently due to a knackered front foot. Part of what makes switch skating fun is how switch tricks 'work' differently from the regular version, but that also makes a lot of tricks real hard to figure out.

I've been trying to work on the way I position myself when skating switch to make it mirror my regular stance more closely, but 20 years of muscle memory makes this very difficult. For example yesterday I was practising switch tailslides, and it almost felt physically impossible to approach the ledge with my shoulders open as you would do for a regular front tail. With switch 5050s I'll be looking down more at my back foot while grinding, which makes them a lot scarier and harder to control. Etc etc. I think lots of tricks would come easier if I could learn to ride in less of a closed off stance that usually comes with skating switch.

Not sure what my question is just wondering if anyone else has thought about this, got any tips on how to get comfortable with it etc.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: Ray C. Usery on September 11, 2020, 04:44:37 PM
BILLY: Can't be done, huh?

SLAP: The Switch?

BILLY: "The Switch."

SLAP: Can't be done.

BILLY: I wonder.

SLAP: Do you realize in the entire history of western civilization no one has

successfully accomplished the Switch? In the Middle Ages you

could get locked up for even suggesting it!

BILLY: They didn't have skateboards in the Middle Ages.

SLAP: Well, I'm sure at some point between the years 800 and

1200--somewhere--there were skateboards.

BILLY: The point is I intend to undertake this. And I'll do it with or without

you. So if you're scared, if you haven't got the stomach for this, let's

get it out right now! And I'll go on my own. If not, you can get on

board and we can get to work! Now what's it going to be?

SLAP: All right, dammit, I'm in.

BILLY: I couldn't do it without you.

SLAP: All right. Let's get to work.

{Now here's the boys' second conversation on the subject, after we've

seen them struggling with the issue over coffee, wandering the sidewalks

of NYC-- all to 40's-style movie music--before continuing their

discussion in Billy's apartment. SLAP begins this time.}

SLAP: All right. That's enough for today. You're tired. Get some sleep. I'll see

you first thing in the morning.

BILLY: Aw, we can't do it, who are we kidding? It's impossible! It's true! You

can't do the Switch! Nobody can do the Switch! It was a stupid idea to

begin with! Let's face it. I'm stuck with the regular and that's

that!
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: cucktard on September 12, 2020, 02:06:14 AM
I have a similar problem in snowboarding, and it’s very common. Its the counter-rotation of a switch fs boardslide. That feeling is one of the hardest things to master. For snowboarders, a nice switch method air is hard to without making it look painfully obvious that it’s switch.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: biaherl on September 12, 2020, 12:38:46 PM
The easiest way to do it id to make your regular skating look awkward and backwards to match your switch skating

You're welcome
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: tzhangdox on September 12, 2020, 01:38:40 PM
I think the closed off stance actually works better for most switch tricks, especially backside ones, its not the same as doing it regular.

But definitely agree, switch front tails and lips (smiths to a lesser extent) work sooo much better if you can open up and do it in the same way as you do regular. I have the same problem with switch front tails.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: corto on September 30, 2020, 06:45:22 AM
I've always been into skating switch and have been doing it even more recently due to a knackered front foot. Part of what makes switch skating fun is how switch tricks 'work' differently from the regular version, but that also makes a lot of tricks real hard to figure out.

I've been trying to work on the way I position myself when skating switch to make it mirror my regular stance more closely, but 20 years of muscle memory makes this very difficult. For example yesterday I was practising switch tailslides, and it almost felt physically impossible to approach the ledge with my shoulders open as you would do for a regular front tail. With switch 5050s I'll be looking down more at my back foot while grinding, which makes them a lot scarier and harder to control. Etc etc. I think lots of tricks would come easier if I could learn to ride in less of a closed off stance that usually comes with skating switch.

Not sure what my question is just wondering if anyone else has thought about this, got any tips on how to get comfortable with it etc.

I think its all about strength. Do a lot of one legged bulgarian squats with your back leg to get it stronger. Once you get it stronger than you front leg, you'll naturally be more confident to lean on it when skating switch.

I know this because a few years ago i started strengthening my legs and immediately my switch skating got way better. For instance i learned ss 360 flips and ss front tail slides. Then a year ago i stopped going to the gym and a few months after that i lost my switch tricks.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: Sluggloaph on October 02, 2020, 05:44:24 PM
Switch is best when it's clearly switch. Otherwise yer just a fucker who's really good at skating.  Also bad fuckin as dude, switch tails?!
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: dallou on October 07, 2020, 12:36:17 AM
Switch is best when it's clearly switch. Otherwise yer just a fucker who's really good at skating.  Also bad fuckin as dude, switch tails?!

I agree, I love seeing a switch flip that is clearly switch. Looks nicer somehow. Same with switch 360 flips
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: Lloyd Braun on October 07, 2020, 04:59:44 AM
I think the closed off stance actually works better for most switch tricks, especially backside ones, its not the same as doing it regular.

But definitely agree, switch front tails and lips (smiths to a lesser extent) work sooo much better if you can open up and do it in the same way as you do regular. I have the same problem with switch front tails.

Agree 100% on switch backside. I used to have switch back 50’s 5-0’s and nose grinds not consistent but could do them. A buddy gave me the tip to look straight down at my back foot when doing them and it really helps. It’s a mind fuck and I’m trying to relearn them without doing them for almost 2 years and it sucks haha.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: ChuckRamone on October 09, 2020, 09:29:44 AM
Skate with a boner switch and people will be so distracted by it they won't even notice you're skating switch.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: Sluggloaph on October 09, 2020, 10:25:46 AM
Skate with a boner switch and people will be so distracted by it they won't even notice you're skating switch.
Yea, this is actually the move.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: lampshade on October 19, 2020, 01:24:23 PM
Switch is best when it's clearly switch. Otherwise yer just a fucker who's really good at skating.  Also bad fuckin as dude, switch tails?!

I feel the same way.  It's almost annoying when you have to rewind a part to figure out what stance the dude actually is. 
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: Sluggloaph on October 19, 2020, 05:22:37 PM
Expand Quote
Switch is best when it's clearly switch. Otherwise yer just a fucker who's really good at skating.  Also bad fuckin as dude, switch tails?!
[close]

I feel the same way.  It's almost annoying when you have to rewind a part to figure out what stance the dude actually is.
Oh for sure, in those moments only, I'm thankful for the switch mongo, but only there. Otherwise I'm zeroed in on the shoulders. But frustrating to say the least.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: cucktard on October 19, 2020, 05:38:48 PM
Expand Quote
Switch is best when it's clearly switch. Otherwise yer just a fucker who's really good at skating.  Also bad fuckin as dude, switch tails?!
[close]

I totally disagree. When you are impressed by a trick, and then find out later it was switch, because it was so well done.

I always thought the goal of switch was to mirror the regular. Anything else is just fakie Nollie

I feel the same way.  It's almost annoying when you have to rewind a part to figure out what stance the dude actually is.
Title: Re: Getting your switch to more closely mirror regular
Post by: Billy Bitchcakes on October 20, 2020, 07:41:41 AM
Expand Quote
Switch is best when it's clearly switch. Otherwise yer just a fucker who's really good at skating.  Also bad fuckin as dude, switch tails?!
[close]

I feel the same way.  It's almost annoying when you have to rewind a part to figure out what stance the dude actually is.

I agree for the most part. But I ain't filming video parts. I just want to learn some more switch tricks