Pushing looks like the simplest part of skateboarding, and most beginners do learn a version of it fast. The problem is that the version most people default to, foot dragging behind at an awkward angle, wastes energy and makes it harder to turn or react once you’re moving. A proper push fixes both.
Why Pushing Technique Actually Matters
A sloppy push isn’t just inefficient, it also puts you in a poor position to react if you need to turn, stop, or adjust quickly. Good pushing technique keeps your front foot in a stable, controlled position the entire time, so you’re always ready for whatever comes next rather than mid-recovery from an awkward stride.
How to Push: Step by Step
Step 1: Set Your Front Foot at an Angle
Angle your front foot slightly, roughly 30 to 45 degrees rather than pointed straight forward, over the front bolts. This angled position gives you a stable base to push from and turns naturally into your riding stance once your back foot returns to the board.
Step 2: Push From Your Hip, Not Just Your Leg
Drive the push from your hip and thigh rather than just flicking your foot backward. A push generated from your hip carries more power with less wasted motion, meaning fewer, stronger pushes instead of many weak ones.
Step 3: Keep Your Front Knee Bent
A bent front knee absorbs the motion of pushing and keeps your center of gravity low and stable, rather than bobbing up and down with each stride. A stiff front leg makes every push feel jerkier than it needs to be.
Step 4: Return Your Back Foot to a Ready Position
After each push, bring your back foot back to a position near the tail, not just wherever it happens to land. This keeps you ready to turn, ollie, or stop at any moment rather than caught mid-stride.
Step 5: Build a Rhythm, Not a Sprint
Find a smooth, repeatable rhythm rather than pushing as hard and fast as possible. A consistent rhythm is more efficient over distance and much easier to control than short bursts of maximum effort.
Common Pushing Mistakes
- Pushing with your foot pointed straight back — this limits your range of motion and power compared to an angled front foot.
- Letting your back foot land wherever — leaving your back foot in a random spot after each push leaves you unprepared to react.
- Standing too upright — a stiff, tall stance is less stable and less powerful than a slightly crouched one.
- Over-pushing at low speed — constantly pushing at a crawl wastes energy; let your speed carry you longer between pushes once you’re rolling well.
Mongo Foot vs. Regular Pushing
Pushing with your front foot (called mongo) instead of your back foot works, but it means repositioning your front foot every time you want to turn quickly or set up a trick, since it’s already off the board mid-push. Most experienced skaters push with their back foot for exactly this reason, it keeps your front foot planted and ready at all times.
FAQ
Which foot should I push with?
Push with your back foot while your front foot stays planted near the bolts. This keeps your front foot ready to react at all times, unlike mongo pushing with your front foot.
Why does my leg get tired so fast when pushing?
That usually means you’re pushing from your lower leg and ankle instead of driving the motion from your hip and thigh, which are much stronger muscles built for sustained effort.
How do I push and turn at the same time?
Keep your pushes short near turns, and lean into the turn with your front foot as it returns to a centered position. Trying to push through a sharp turn usually throws off your balance.
Is it bad to push with my front foot (mongo)?
It’s not wrong, plenty of skaters ride mongo their whole lives, but it does limit quick reactions since your front foot isn’t planted during the push.
Final Thoughts
Good pushing technique is worth fixing early, since it’s the foundation everything else in skateboarding builds on. Angle your front foot, push from your hip, and keep your back foot returning to a ready position every time. Once pushing feels automatic, our How to Stop on a Skateboard guide is the natural next skill to build.
